BASF Group reported first-quarter 2026 sales of €16.0 billion, down €488 million from the prior-year quarter, as strong adverse currency effects and slightly lower prices weighed on results.

The company said solid volume growth, driven by China, helped offset some of those pressures. BASF also said the conflict in the Middle East has significantly shaped the market environment since March.

“In this demanding market environment, BASF demonstrated resilience and achieved EBITDA before special items of €2.4 billion compared with €2.5 billion in the prior-year quarter,” said Dr. Dirk Elvermann, chief financial officer, during the company’s quarterly results presentation.

EBITDA before special items decreased by €140 million to €2.36 billion. Earnings improved in the Surface Technologies and Materials segments, while Chemicals, Agricultural Solutions and Nutrition & Care recorded declines. Industrial Solutions matched the prior-year level.

Net income increased to €927 million from €808 million in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share rose to €1.06 from €0.91.

BASF maintained its full-year 2026 forecast, including EBITDA before special items of €6.2 billion to €7.0 billion and free cash flow of €1.5 billion to €2.3 billion. The company said it is closely monitoring opportunities and risks tied to the Middle East conflict, including potential effects on energy prices, raw materials and global supply chains.

You can read the full release here.