What is Lanxess's updated 2026 EBITDA forecast, and how does the Middle East war affect its business outlook?

Lanxess AG maintains its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting EBITDA pre exceptional items to be between €450 million and €550 million. The company attributes a positive near-term impact to the Middle East war, which has disrupted supply chains of many Asian competitors, prompting customers to shift orders toward reliable European suppliers like Lanxess; CEO Matthias Zachert stated that supply capability has become a 'significant competitive advantage' and that the conflict—while a global disaster—has improved the competitiveness of the European chemical industry.

Why does Lanxess expect higher EBITDA in Q2 2026 compared to Q1, and what key demand shifts are driving this improvement?

Lanxess expects Q2 2026 EBITDA pre exceptional items to reach €130 million–€150 million—significantly higher than Q1’s €94 million—due to a gradual pickup in business activity since March, with demand levels now 'kind of normalized.' This improvement stems from two key shifts: first, customers have prioritized 'supply reliability or delivery security' over price, especially in Europe and parts of Asia, reducing dependence on Asia; second, price pressure from China has eased, and Lanxess has raised prices for many products to offset higher raw material, energy, and logistics costs.

Lanxess Maintains 2026 Forecast, Sees Positive Impact of Middle East War on Demand

May 7, 2026

Lanxess confirmed its 2026 guidance despite a widened Q1 loss, citing Middle East conflicts disrupting Asian supply chains as a benefit for European suppliers. The company raised prices to offset rising raw material costs while expecting demand normalization in the second quarter.

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Lanxess Maintains 2026 Forecast, Sees Positive Impact of Middle East War on Demand

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