EU chems 2020 output expected flat after 1% decline in 2019 - Cefic

     EU chemicals production is expected to have fallen 1% in 2019, year on year, with no growth expected in 2020 as uncertainty continue to weigh on demand, EU trade group Cefic said on Tuesday.

    Sector demand this year was weakened by slower macroeconomic growth, trade conflicts and Brexit uncertainty, all sapping output in key end markets including the automotive and electrical appliances sectors.

    Construction output has proven a brighter spot for producers as low interest rates and high infrastructure demand allowed the sector healthy growth in output, which is expected to continue into next year.

    Overall 2020 chemicals sector growth in the region is not expected to exceed 2019 levels next year, as continued trade difficulties and political uncertainty look set to counterbalance an uptick in manufactured goods demand driven by rising real incomes.