Europe’s chemical industry, a major part of EU exports, is facing problems from U.S. tariffs of at least 15%. These tariffs, set by President Donald Trump, affect customers in car-making, machinery, and consumer goods. Orders are delayed, and demand is down. The $767 billion industry is still recovering from high energy costs after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It also faces tough competition from Asia.
European chemical companies expect a 5% drop in third-quarter earnings, after a 22% fall in the second quarter, says LSEG data. Big companies like BASF, Brenntag, and Lanxess, with U.S. operations, are less hurt by tariffs but still see customers holding back. BASF, the world’s top chemical maker, cut its 2025 profit goal in July. It said customers now order just weeks ahead, not months.
Smaller firms, like Hobum Oleochemicals, are struggling more. A U.S. customer near Detroit cancelled a big deal. “There’s no trust now, and that’s bad for business,” said Hobum’s CEO, Arnold Mergell. A weak U.S. dollar and customers cutting stock add to the industry’s problems. Brenntag’s CEO, Christian Kohlpaintner, warned that cheap Chinese chemicals might flood Europe if U.S.-China trade issues grow before their tariff deal ends on November 10, 2025.
Dutch paint company Akzo Nobel and German firm Wacker Chemie, which makes materials for solar panels, both lowered their 2025 profit plans in July. They blamed market worries and a weak dollar. “The industry is slowing,” said analyst Christian Faitz from Kepler Cheuvreux, but he hopes things will steady by 2026.
In 2024, the EU sent €40 billion in chemicals to the U.S., up from €38 billion in 2023, and brought in €30 billion, per Cefic data. About one-third of the industry’s €224 billion sales come from exports, with big operations in China. But high costs and tariffs make it harder for Europe to stay a top exporter. “Europe’s big export days are fading,” said Arne Rautenberg from Union Investment. Some leaders, like Lanxess CEO Matthias Zachert, think demand might improve by late 2025. Companies are cutting costs, closing sites, and changing plans to cope.
