The BASF chemical company has closed 2024 exercise with a Billing of 1,426 million euros in Spainwhich represents an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. In a Telematics press conference, the BASF general director in Spain, Carles Navarro, together with the commercial director, Daniel Campo, and the general co -director of Basf Digital Solutions, Thomas Kirchhoff, have shared the results and perspectives of the company.
Navarro stressed that growth has been driven by the increase in volumes sold, despite a 4% decrease in prices. This volume growth indicates a market recovery during the year, being the increase in Spain greater than in other parts of the world.
All BASF business segments have experienced a similar evolution, with the exception of paintings and coatings, where the highest prices have compensated the reduction of volumes due to the decrease in activity in the automotive industry.
Navarro has indicated that the European chemical sector faces challenges due to the high energy costs and strict regulation by the European Union, which affects competitiveness globally.
The company is scheduled Increase your investments to 54 million euros This year, aimed at improving technology, increasing capacity and promoting sustainability. The BASF plant in Tarragona will receive most of these investments, followed by those located in Marchamalo (Guadalajara), Castellbisbal (Barcelona) and the Free Zone of Barcelona.
Despite having paused an important investment to build a car battery recycling plant in Tarragona due to the deceleration in sales of this sector, the company considers this business key and plans to resume the project as soon as the market conditions improve.
Regarding the evolution of prices, Navarro has expressed that a short -term recovery is not glimpsed due to a depressed demand, although they are expected to keep them stable or with slight growth. In addition, it has highlighted the importance of promoting the competitiveness of the company’s plants through the transformation of the production model and the support of public administrations.