Lower energy and raw-material costs, which we estimate will be below 2008 levels, as well as more advantageous exchange-rate and interest-rate trends also offer opportunities for WACKER. These lower costs will have a positive effect on earnings.

Due to its strong presence in Asia and many emerging countries, WACKER is also well-positioned to participate in the enormous growth there. Particularly at our WACKER SILICONES division, we have a diverse product range that boosts living standards.

Aside from key growth regions, the chances are good that we can boost important market shares in global megatrends.

WACKER profits from the energy megatrend in a variety of ways. A key producer of solar-grade polysilicon, WACKER also manufactures numerous thermal-insulation and energy-conservation products. Falling costs for photovoltaic systems in particular are making solar power increasingly competitive against conventional energy sources, which will continue to fuel the solar industry.

Sustained construction activity (especially in Asia), advancing urbanization and infrastructural expansion also boost the demand for polymers and silicones from WACKER.

WACKER uses the digitization megatrend by manufacturing silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry. Rising silicon demand in the electronics and consumer-goods sectors open up new markets for WACKER. Additionally, this development is being fueled by rising living standards in Asia that would be impossible without digitization and infrastructural expansion.

Rising prosperity in emerging markets additionally boosts demand for further WACKER products. Particularly in sectors such as electronics, consumer goods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and medical technology, consumers in emerging markets are just starting to be able to afford higher-quality products.