Aruanded

Spain’s real fixed investment and industrial production are expected to continue to grow and exports are also expected to accelerate in 2015.

The rebound of the Dutch economy is expected to accelerate in 2015, with export growth accompanied by a recovery in private consumption, industrial production and investment.

In 2015, Ireland’s economy is forecast to grow by 3.6%, backed by exports to the US and UK where demand is picking up. Private consumption is expected to increase further.

In contrast to previous years when exports provided the main contribution to German economic growth, household consumption is expected to become the key driver in 2015.

In 2015 the French economy is expected to grow 1.1% as private consumption, manufacturing and exports improve. However, this projected growth rate remains below the forecast eurozone average of 1.4%.

The Danish economy is expected to rebound further, with a 1.8% expansion forecast for 2015 as private consumption and investment growth accelerate and export growth continues.

Belgian economic growth accelerated to 1.0% in 2014 after two years of weak performance. This improvement is expected to continue in 2015, with 1.2% growth in GDP forecast.

After modest growth in 2013 (up 0.3%) and 2014 (up 0.4%) the Austrian economy is expected to see a modest 0.8% surge in 2015.

There are positive signs for the Turkish chemicals industry. In 2015, the chemicals sector is expected to grow driven by increasing demand and the positive effects of the lower oil prices.

Growth in the chemicals sector is forecast to continue in 2015, on the back of UK’s robust economic performance.

Chemicals/pharmaceuticals has been a well performing sector in Switzerland; demand and profit margins are expected to remain stable in 2015.

In 2015, Singapore’s GDP is forecast to grow a modest 3 %, and the production of chemicals is expected to grow at the same rate.

The chemicals sector in Mexico is expected to grow modestly in 2015 due to the country’s lower economic growth (forecast 2.6 % in 2015).

In Q1 2015, the Dutch chemicals sector saw an increase in production and exports. Additionally, it is expected that Dutch chemicals businesses ́ investments will increase in 2015.

In 2015 Italian chemicals production is forecast to grow 1.4 %, due to increasing exports (up 3.2 %) and the first signs of improving domestic demand (up 1.3 %) after four years of contraction.

The Belgian chemicals sector is expected to grow in 2015, helped by a weaker euro, lower oil prices and a eurozone rebound.

The chemicals sector is benefiting from the on-going US economic growth. US chemicals production growth is expected to increase 3.7 % in 2015 and 3.9 % in 2016 (after growing 2 % in 2014).

Since 2000, the Spanish chemicals sector has increased its exports by more than 170 %, demonstrating its competitive edge in the global market.

German chemicals/pharmaceuticals businesses have a strong market position, and many are highly specialised. The industry has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and a competitive edge.

The chemicals sector ́s export share (mainly in Europe) amounts to more than two thirds of overall sales. French businesses are in strong competition with international players, especially the US.