Internacionaol. Clariant announced that its first nine months of sales in 2018 were CHF (Swiss francs) 4.994 billion (about US$4.98 billion) compared to CHF 4.698 billion in 2017. This corresponds to a 6% growth in local currency and Swiss francs, which was supported by higher volumes and prices. Contributions from all Business Areas reinforced organic sales growth of 6% in local currency.
Most regions contributed to sales growth. Latin America reported the highest growth of 13% in local currency. In Asia, sales increased by a robust 9% driven mainly by China and India. Sales in North America grew by 6% despite strong expansion during the same period in 2017. In Europe, sales advanced a solid 4%. Only the Middle East and Africa, the Group's smallest geographic region, reported a slight decline in sales of 3%.
Care Chemicals and Catalysis reported continued demand momentum. Sales at Care Chemicals advanced 9% in local currency driven by both Consumer Care and Industrial Applications. Despite a high comparable bar, Catalysis sales increased significantly by 12% in local currency with good organic sales growth of 8%.
Natural resources reported 7% more sales in local currency, reflecting the improved oil environment. In Plastics & Coatings, sales advanced 3% in local currency despite a strong comparable base. The three Business Units contributed to this progression.
EBITDA before exceptional items increased by 7% and reached CHF 765 million compared to CHF 717 million in the previous year. This improvement was driven by positive development in care chemicals and plastics and coatings.
The corresponding EBITDA margin before exceptional items remained robust at 15.3%.
