During the first quarter of 2010 production levels for the chemical industry continued to improve (up 3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009), registering the fourth successive increase quarter-on-quarter. The increase compared to the first quarter of 2009 was 15.4%. The recovery permeated all sectors in the industry, with the upstream sector, Basic Chemicals, experiencing the strongest growth.

Production for Inorganic Chemicals was up 7.5% compared to the previous quarter and 29% compared to the same period in 2009. The net acceleration in growth was mostly due to increased production volumes for Basic Inorganic Chemicals. Production of Organic Chemicals was boosted by increased volumes for Petrochemicals and Plastics. The main improvements in Speciality Chemicals were due to increased demand for products destined for industry. Paints and Varnishes also made progress but to a lesser extent. Production levels for Soaps, Perfumes and Household Products remained healthy.