Despite uncertain economic conditions, the chemical and plastic industries are optimistic about the final three months of 2011, according to the latest Ceresana Industry Monitor (CIM) survey. Of the participants responding to the survey, 40% said their business situation in September was good. Only 10% evaluate their business situation as poor. Large companies assess their situation more often as good than small companies.
Growing competition and considerable increases in research and development expenditures will dominate global chemical markets during the next months. Almost one-quarter of all surveyed companies anticipate their business situation will change for the worse over the next 6 to 12 months. In contrast, more than 43% expect an improvement. Petrochemical and manufacturers of plastics and elastomers have particularly positive expectations.
The CIM Barometer reflects the current business climate of the surveyed chemical and plastic companies at a glance. The present business situation achieves 14.9 points; expectations register 10.2 points. The resulting business climate is at 12.6 points. Ceresana expects the chemical industry will experience a slight cooling-off.
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