Swiss chemicals firm, Clariant, said business activity in the first three months of 2013 had remained basically unchanged following the last quarter of 2012, with sales totalling CHF1.53 billion (£1.01billion).

It said, the first quarter revenue rose 1%, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) declined 1% to CHF209 million (£143 million).

However, for full-year 2013, Clariant expects further increase in sales and profitability compared to the previous by focusing on growth and continuous cost efficiency.

CEO Hariolf Kottmann commented that firm has kicked off the year with encouraging prospects “as sales continued to grow and margins remained robust under stabilising economic conditions.. “

Clariant’s Plastics & Coatings division “stabilised at low levels”, with slightly lower sales figures due to the early Easter break and subsequently fewer billing days this year compared to the previous year period.

Showing higher growth at 10% is Latin America, whilst the Asia Pacific remained steady.

Europe posted 2% sales growth and North America at 5%. Middle East and Africa.sales dropped 10%. The group expects sold growth in emerging markets and no significant growth in Europe or North America.

This year, Clariant expects a persisting soft macroeconomic environment, characterised by high volatility. While solid growth in the emerging markets is most likely, no significant growth impulses are expected from the European and North American economies.

Given the scenario, Clariant will focus on growing the seven core businesses and on continuous cost discipline. This will lead to further top-line growth in local currencies and improved profitability in 2013. For the mid-term, Clariant confirms its 2015 targets of an EBITDA margin of above 17% and a return on invested capital (ROIC) above the peer-group average.