Michael Weigelt

Around 4% growth in the first half of 2017 / Export share rises to record-breaking 41% / Semi-finished products show disproportionate increase / Technical parts under pressure on profit / Outlook remains good

Sales after first nine months of 2015 match those of last year / Packaging products perform above average / Construction and semi-finished goods barely move / Technical parts and consumer goods looking up / Positive mood despite feedstock upheaval

Feedstock price swings reflected in the statistical H1 balance sheet / Depressed sales at the start of the year gradually lifted by cost rises / Full-year revenues could set new record

Weak August dampens Q3 results / Sector nevertheless expected to grow in 2014 / Many businesses still operate at high output rates / Improvement in September

Solid growth in H1 2014 / Mild winter shifts construction season / Packaging and consumer goods remain stable / Technical parts producers report good business

Reduction of overcapacities in Italy, Spain and particularly France / TecPart says German suppliers are on comparatively safe ground / "Markets will stagnate for several years" / Raising R&D activities in Europe?

Suppliers suffer the brunt of declining sales figures / Growth driver China shows signs of weakness / Will the lull drag on until 2015?

Market clearly pointing upward / Export orders booming / Suppliers' Q1 figures improved / High polymer prices limit earnings