Weak TiO2 sends first quarter profit at DuPont Performance Chemicals lower

摘要

First quarter operating earnings were down by $320 million at DuPont's performance chemicals division, declining to $251 million primarily due to substantial price declines in titanium dioxide and weak demand for fluoropolymers, particularly in North America and Asia Pacific. DuPont said TiO^ volume was essentially flat year-over-year, but increased 8% from the fourth quarter of 2012. Prices across the division were down 11% compared to a year ago and volume was down 6%.