Economy Lifts Earnings in Europe/ Producers Still Wary

摘要

European chemical companies reported significant improvement in first-quarter 2010 earnings results because of improved economic conditions. Volumes increased for many companies to pre-crisis levels of first-half 2008, but selling prices were mixed. Producers warn, however, that the strong earnings comparisons may not be sustainable for the rest of the year because economic recovery remains fragile, and raw material costs, especially for specialty chemical makers, are on the rise.