Evonik Shares Fall on Plans to Cut 3,200 Jobs and Exit Polyester Business

Key Facts

Amid mounting pressures on the European chemical sector driven by high energy costs, Evonik Industries AG has announced a comprehensive restructuring plan. According to reports, the company intends to cut 3,200 jobs as part of its efforts to reduce costs and improve financial performance. Additionally, the company confirmed its intention to exit the polyester business, a move aimed at focusing its investment portfolio on more profitable and high-growth segments.

This move comes at a time when major chemical firms are struggling with weak global demand; peer company BASF reported a decline in operating profit in the recent quarter per market data. Compared to last year's results, Evonik is seeking through these divestments to address structural challenges that have eroded profit margins in traditional polymer segments, aligning with industry trends toward specialization in fine chemicals.

Investors should monitor stock levels following this announcement, as the German market is currently influenced by inflation data released on June 12, 2026, which showed the annual CPI holding at 2.6%.