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Chromium
Chromium chemicals pricing in US Dollars rose by 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2004, and US Dollar sales grew by 21 per cent, which translates to a 17 per cent increase in Sterling. Global production capacity rationalisation in the Far East progressed further, while demand remained good in all market sectors. Prices were increased in January, April and July, and will be selectively increased again on 1 October. Cost inflation from freight, energy and raw materials has continued, but the tightening supply/demand situation is supporting progressive operating profit recovery.
Specialty Rubber
Sales of Linatex brand rubber products to the mining and construction materials industries have continued to grow strongly in the first half of the year in all market sectors, and operating profit has risen accordingly. A new joint venture started up in Chile, further adding to growth momentum.This business is currently under strategic review.
Safety and environmental
Corporate safety performance, as measured by recordable incidents and lost time accidents, has continued on a favourable trend, and is now at the level of the top quartile of the world’s chemical companies.
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