Stable 2023 results for the paints, stains, coatings and varnishes sector despite drops in volume

For paints, stains, coatings and varnishes, between 2022 and 23, growth in the anti-corrosion sectors – including the naval industry – (+4,8% in value), aeronautics and automobiles (increase in light vehicle registrations of 14,7 % [1]) cushions the fall in building products (-2,5% in value) caused, on the one hand, by the decline in construction (-22% [2]) and the stagnation of real estate transactions ( -22% [3]), and, on the other hand, by the slight but continuous decrease (-1,8% in value), of paints and varnishes for the general public (cyclical effect after the strong interest in DIY and domestic renovation during confinement).

Glues, sealants and adhesives are also suffering the consequences of the real estate situation (12,4% in volume) and the increase in the cost of raw materials; This market, well supplied by Germany, nevertheless resists. However, the refocusing on solutions with high added value ensures an increase in value of 1,7%.

With a loss of 6,8% in value and 9,2% in volume, the printing ink branch (packaging, advertising prints and paper presses) remains marked by the fall in paper media (-4,6% compared to to 2022 [4]) and environmental regulations requiring distribution brands to reduce advertising prints (Oui Pub Law).

After a marked appeal during periods of confinement, colors for art, education and creative hobbies are stabilizing with a slight growth of 0,9% in value.

Over the financial year, the trade balance became negative by 7.000 tonnes and €87 million (compared to a positive balance of 10.000 tonnes and €16 million last year). It remains, nevertheless, positive at 83.000 tonnes and €143 million, internationally; in contrast to the European market, suffering from a deficit of 108.000 tonnes and €230 million. Significant increases in imports from Germany (paint family: +10,1%, in value) from the Netherlands (paint family: +20,3%, in value) and the United Kingdom (adhesive family: +19,9% ​​and paints: +16,4%, in value), like those of exports, in progress towards Germany (inks: +23% and family of paints: +8,9%, in value) , Belgium (adhesives family: +20,3% and inks: +31,1%, in value) and the United Kingdom (inks: +22% and adhesives family: +14,1% in value) constitute the most significant drivers for these developments.

For Jacques Menicucci, President of Fipec: “the stability of this balance sheet and the less favorable outlook expected for 2024, do not undermine the long-term confidence of industrialists and Fipec” which employ more than 8% of the salaried workforce of the chemistry sector in France, almost in the majority, for an indefinite period (94% of positions are on permanent contracts compared to 73% for the national average, all sectors combined). “The efforts made in 2023 to strengthen the attractiveness of professions, support talents throughout their careers and promote the employment of seniors remain priority issues for our companies. », adds Mr. Menicucci. At a time when questions of simplification are multiplying, Fipec is once again calling for reasonable regulatory development favorable to innovation and R&D (10% of total staff), the only avenues favoring the development of formulation chemistry. ever more virtuous and sustainable. “Our companies must be able to continue to look to the future with complete confidence to best respond to the challenges of social and environmental transitions and sovereignty” declares Guillaume Fremaux, President of Sipev.

[1]: PFA - https://pfa-auto.fr/2024/01/01/marche-automobile-francais-decembre-2023/

[2]: https://www.batiactu.com/edito/chute-construction-neuve-fait-entrer-batiment-recession67562.php#:~:text=Repr%C3%A9sentant%2027%25%20de%20l'activit%C3%A9,s'effondrent%20de%2024%25

[3]: https://www.fnaim.fr/actualite/972/4293-selon-la-fnaim-le-premier-semestre-2024-s-annonce-difficile.htm

[4]: ACPM - Total distributions in France at constant scope: https://www.acpm.fr/Actualites/Toute-l-actualite/Actualites-generales/Diffusion-etFrequentation-de-la-Presse-DSH-2023