Power performers

摘要

A YEAR of strong growth for the chemical industry was topped in 2004 by sharp profit increases for many producers.After the deep slump of recent years,the return to stronger profitability had to be welcome.Volume demand climbed for most firms,quarter by quarter,across the first nine months of the year at least.Stronger demand put pricing power back in the hands of producers,after it had been weakened over years of poor results in the deepest downturn in more than 20 years.At last prices were pushed higher,to help combat steeply rising raw material costs.Sales values expanded and,with stricter cost control,so did profitability.