Overview

• First-half revenue fell 0.5% to €107 billion and production dropped 1%, erasing a brief Q1 rebound.
• Pharmaceutical output rose 2% as chemical production slid 3%, driving capacity utilization down to roughly 78%.
• Around 40% of companies report order shortages and major firms including BASF, Covestro and Brenntag have announced plant closures and profit downgrades.
• Persistent headwinds include elevated energy prices, bureaucratic costs estimated at €146 billion annually and threatened US tariffs under President Trump.
• The Verband der Chemischen Industrie does not expect growth before 2026 and is pressing Berlin and Brussels for targeted support and reforms.