Swiss chemical company Clariant has posted a solid performance in the first three months of the year, with organic growth increasing 6% in local currency and 11% in Swiss francs compared with the same period in 2005.

Good demand was seen across most sectors, while sales prices were held at last year’s level. Net income rose 31% to CHF94 million ($76.983 million) from CHF72 million in 2005. Earnings continued to be affected by higher raw material, energy and logistics costs compared to the same period in 2005 with raw material costs up 2% on a year-on-year basis.

Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals posted moderate growth, with mixed developments across its businesses. Pigments & Additives had a strong quarter, with substantial increases in pigments and good sales for additives, including recently launched ranges of waxes and flame retardants.

The Americas posted the strongest increase, with organic growth of 5% overall and 9% specifically in the United States. Asia grew by 3%, driven by a 13% rise in China, while Europe was up 6%, in which Germany posted organic growth of 6%.