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In Q1 2015, the Dutch chemicals sector saw an increase in production and exports. Additionally, it is expected that Dutch chemicals businesses ́ investments will increase in 2015.

In 2015 Italian chemicals production is forecast to grow 1.4 %, due to increasing exports (up 3.2 %) and the first signs of improving domestic demand (up 1.3 %) after four years of contraction.

The Belgian chemicals sector is expected to grow in 2015, helped by a weaker euro, lower oil prices and a eurozone rebound.

The chemicals sector is benefiting from the on-going US economic growth. US chemicals production growth is expected to increase 3.7 % in 2015 and 3.9 % in 2016 (after growing 2 % in 2014).

Since 2000, the Spanish chemicals sector has increased its exports by more than 170 %, demonstrating its competitive edge in the global market.

German chemicals/pharmaceuticals businesses have a strong market position, and many are highly specialised. The industry has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and a competitive edge.

The chemicals sector ́s export share (mainly in Europe) amounts to more than two thirds of overall sales. French businesses are in strong competition with international players, especially the US.

Chemicals production in China is expected to increase 8.5 % in 2015 following the 8.8 % growth rate registered in 2014.

The UAE’s ICT market is currently characterised by high competition, single-digit margins, low entry barriers and stagnating growth in sub-segments like PCs and desktops.

In 2015, the Dutch ICT sector is expected to grow 3 % in volume, on the back of the country’s economic rebound (GDP is forecast to grow 1.7 %).

The German ICT sector generally has good growth prospects, but low margins, sharp price erosion and steep competition lead to an on-going trend of consolidation.

The ICT sector has seen a decline due to the economic downturn in Brazil, with decreasing demand, exchange rate volatility and high interest rates.

Australia’s ICT sector continues to perform well while the IT market in particular is expected to have considerable medium-term growth potential.

In combination with a forecast rebound of the Italian economy (up 0.7 %), the ICT sector is expected to record a modest growth of 0.6% in 2015.

Robust growth is expected to continue over the medium term, with compound annual growth rate forecast at 11.6 % for 2015-2019.

In the US, revenues for new, emerging product categories are expected to double in 2015 with strong demand for 3D printers, 4K Ultra HD TVs, connected home products, unmanned systems and wearables.

British ICT businesses will face stronger competition from their European peers, mainly due to the strengthening of the pound.

The main strengths of the Polish IT sector are the stable demand, a strong export performance and financial transparency, as the largest IT distributors are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

As in 2014, the 2015 outlook for the French ICT industry looks reasonably favourable with sales growth expected to increase by 2 %.

In the coming years, the growth of ICT in China is expected to outperform on a regional and global basis.