German paints, coatings demand forecast to fall 3% in 2003

16 January 2003 12:59  [Source: ICIS news]

FRANKFURT (CNI)--Germany’s paints and coatings producers are predicting a 3% decline in domestic consumption this year, CNI learned on Thursday.

The industry association Verband der Deutschen Lackindustrie (VdL), part of the chemical industry association VCI, said producers had hoped demand would stabilise in 2003 after volume declines of 4.9% last year and 4.5% in 2001. However, continued economic softness and the threat of war in Iraq render the overall outlook uncertain.

In 2002, the industry’s overall sales fell 4% against 2001 to Euro4.8bn ($5.06bn). While German turnover slumped by 8% to Euro3.7bn (includes imports of Euro333m), export sales rose 8% to Euro1.44bn.

Sales of building coatings in Germany are likely to fall 3% in 2003 after slumping 5% in 2002, said VdL. Sales of furniture coatings also are seen as remaining slack, after dropping 11% last year, while turnover in OEM automotive coatings could fall 2% after a 5% decline. Domestic demand for industrial coatings continued to be weak in 2002, but the association hopes for a recovery in 2003.

By: Dede Williams, European Chemical News
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