IMF raises 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%
15 Oct 26 Economics
The IMF has revised its global growth forecast higher for 2026 while maintaining its 2027 outlook. Geopolitical uncertainty and energy-price risks persist, while AI-driven demand supports selected economies.
EU polymer production falls 6.6% as chemicals output weakens
07 Oct 26 Economics Production
Cefic's October report shows which parts of the EU chemical industry are shrinking fastest, and polymers are close to the bottom.
Euro-area consumer spending strengthens as business profitability improves
06 Oct 26 Economics
Eurostat’s initial Q2 sector-accounts release shows euro-area household saving falling as consumption outpaced income, while nonfinancial corporations recorded stronger profit share and fixed-investment ratios as value added grew.
Euro-Area Inflation Rises in September 2026 on Energy
06 Oct 26 Economics
Eurostat’s September flash estimate points to a renewed acceleration in euro-area headline inflation, led by energy, while services and food also rose and the underlying price measure edged higher, ahead of the final data release.
German Electronics Business Climate Rises in September
02 Oct 26 Economics
ifo’s September survey shows German electronics manufacturers gaining momentum through stronger orders, output plans and export expectations, but intermediate-goods shortages and expected price increases are becoming a constraint.
German Chemical Business Climate Improves in September
02 Oct 26 Economics
ifo’s September survey shows a second straight improvement in German chemical-sector sentiment, with customer restocking and export orders improving the outlook but low backlogs, high costs and job cuts still weighing on recovery.
EU sentiment falls as industry confidence improves
EU sentiment and employment expectations slipped, though industry confidence improved. The survey points to a mixed demand backdrop, with consumers and some service-facing sectors offsetting firmer industry signals across Europe.
Eurozone September flash PMI rises to 53.1
Eurozone business activity accelerated in September as the composite PMI rose to 53.1.
Euro Area Consumer Confidence Falls in September
23 Sep 26 Economics
Euro area consumer confidence fell to -16.5 in September, while the EU indicator declined to -15.8 after four months of recovery.
EU consumer confidence broadly stable in August 2026
The Commission’s August flash estimate showed little change in EU consumer sentiment, with a slightly larger improvement in the euro area.
EU industrial production falls 0.3% in July 2026
European industrial output weakened in July, with Germany recording a monthly decline as intermediate goods production diverged between the EU and euro area.
EU chemical trade surplus widens to €19.6bn in July
The EU’s chemical trade surplus widened in July 2026, with exports growing faster than imports. The sector’s performance contrasted with a weaker overall trade balance.
Italian import prices rise 5% as July imports decline
Import prices increased as purchases from outside the EU fell month on month.
Eurozone GDP growth reaches 0.6% in second quarter
08 Sep 26 Economics
Eurozone GDP returned to growth in the second quarter, rising 0.6% from the previous three months. Net exports provided the largest positive contribution.
Eurozone manufacturing PMI hits four-year high
03 Sep 26 Economics
Eurozone manufacturing expanded at its fastest pace in more than four years in August, with intermediate goods including chemicals, metals and electronic components providing the largest contribution to production growth.
German chemical business climate rebounds in August
German chemical confidence improved sharply as export expectations and production plans strengthened.
European demand indicators improve, pointing to a tentative recovery in 2027
European growth strengthened in the second quarter, while improving confidence, vehicle registrations and building permits provided broader evidence that the demand outlook is becoming less negative.
China’s trade surplus hits record as exports to Europe rise
China closed 2025 with a record trade surplus of USD 1.19 trillion after exports and imports both beat expectations in December, according to ING Economics. Exports rose 6.6% year on year in…
Europe’s economic calm masks weaker growth dynamics
13 Jan 26 Economics
Europe’s return to low inflation and steady growth in early 2026 is giving a misleading impression of economic health, according to ING, which warned that the region is becoming more vulnerable as…
Stalled housing investment confirms ongoing pressure on polymer markets
13 Jan 26 Construction Economics
Eurozone household and corporate accounts for Q3 2025 released this week underline why polymer demand remains weak, despite signs of broader economic activity. Eurostat data show that while consumer spending rose faster…