Regions

Q1 2021

Sales at companies located in Europe rose by 8% compared with the first quarter of 2020. This was primarily driven by higher prices, especially in the Surface Technologies and Materials segments. Sales were lifted by volume growth in almost all segments. By contrast, sales performance was reduced by currency effects. Income from operations (EBIT) improved by €111 million to €792 million. This was the result of significantly higher contributions from the Materials and Chemicals segments. By contrast, EBIT declined in Other and in the remaining segments.

In North America, sales rose by 10% in euros and 20% in local currency terms compared with the prior-year quarter. The sales increase was primarily attributable to higher price levels, mainly from higher precious metal prices in the Surface Technologies segment. Higher volumes, especially in the Agricultural Solutions and Surface Technologies segments, also supported the sales performance. Currency effects had an offsetting impact in all segments. EBIT rose by €239 million to €713 million. All segments recorded an improvement in earnings, especially the Chemicals segment.

Sales in Asia Pacific rose by 43% in euros and 49% in local currency terms. The development of sales was mainly driven by significantly higher volumes in all segments, especially the Surface Technologies segment. Sales were boosted by higher prices, particularly in the Surface Technologies and Materials segments. Portfolio effects in the Materials segment from the acquisition of Solvay’s integrated polyamide business had a positive impact on sales. Negative currency effects had an offsetting impact. EBIT rose by €484 million to €770 million. All segments recorded a considerable increase in EBIT, especially the Materials and Chemicals segments.

In the region South America, Africa, Middle East, sales rose by 10% in euros and 38% in local currency terms. This was largely attributable to higher prices and volumes in all segments. Portfolio effects from the acquisition of Solvay’s integrated polyamide business had a positive impact on sales development. Currency effects had an offsetting impact. At €36 million, EBIT was up €21 million from the first quarter of 2020. This resulted from a considerable improvement in earnings contributions from the Agricultural Solutions, Materials, Surface Technologies and Chemicals segments.