Analytical, biotechnology and laboratory technology sector records record sales

5.3 billion euros were generated by domestic business (up nine per cent). 6.4 billion euros were generated abroad (up six per cent). The most important export markets are China, the USA, France, the UK and Italy. While the first three countries mentioned recorded export growth, with the USA even recording double-digit growth, the UK and Italy suffered slight declines. The number of employees in the approximately 330 companies rose to around 53,000, an increase of five per cent.

The outlook for 2023 is also predominantly positive. Spectaris expects sales to increase by almost seven per cent to around 12.5 billion euros in the current year. „However, there are also geopolitical and financial factors that are having a negative impact on the industry's business and competitiveness. First and foremost, there is the shortage of skilled labour and general cost increases, but also the impending PFAS ban, which is highly critical for all our members“, emphasises Mathis Kuchejda, Chairman of Analytical, Bio- and Laboratory Technology at Spectaris. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and thus high-performance materials that are to be banned across the board in an unprecedented restriction procedure, irrespective of their specific proven risk. The availability of materials and components is also seen as an obstacle by companies, albeit to a much lesser extent than in 2022.

5.3 billion euros were generated by domestic business (up nine per cent). 6.4 billion euros were generated abroad (up six per cent). The most important export markets are China, the USA, France, the UK and Italy. While the first three countries mentioned recorded export growth, with the USA even recording double-digit growth, the UK and Italy suffered slight declines. The number of employees in the approximately 330 companies rose to around 53,000, an increase of five per cent.

The outlook for 2023 is also predominantly positive. Spectaris expects sales to increase by almost seven per cent to around 12.5 billion euros in the current year. „However, there are also geopolitical and financial factors that are having a negative impact on the industry's business and competitiveness. First and foremost, there is the shortage of skilled labour and general cost increases, but also the impending PFAS ban, which is highly critical for all our members“, emphasises Mathis Kuchejda, Chairman of Analytical, Bio- and Laboratory Technology at Spectaris. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and thus high-performance materials that are to be banned across the board in an unprecedented restriction procedure, irrespective of their specific proven risk. The availability of materials and components is also seen as an obstacle by companies, albeit to a much lesser extent than in 2022.

Article from "LABO" dated 05/04/2023