A minor recovery for Organic Chemicals

In 2010, production volume for Organic Chemicals improved by 2.7%, a mildly positive performance after two years of sharp decline: down 8.3% in 2009 and 4.9% in 2008.
Although production was at quite a high level at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, it oscillated considerably during the first quarter due to technical difficulties connected with the resumption of operations on many sites.
A more promising trend was set in quarters two and three, with growth in the order of 8% year-on-year recorded for the 9-month period to September.
However, production slumped once again in the fourth quarter from the negative impact of industrial action at oil refineries and at the Port of Marseille.