Paris-based Air Liquide reported sales for the first half of the year of €10.8 billion (US$12.8 billion), up 9.2% from 2020. Gas & services sales for the first half were €10.4 billion (US$12.3 billion), up 8% year-over-year.

“This first half excellent performance reflects the momentum of our markets and the acceleration in sales in the second quarter,” said Benoît Potier, chairman and CEO of Air Liquide. “These exceeded the level seen in second quarter of 2019 across all regions and for all activities. Sales for the half year were close to €11 billion, marking strong growth of 9.2% on a comparable basis, versus the first half of 2020.

“In Gas & Services, the rebound in industrial activities was particularly strong in the second quarter, both in large industries and industrial merchant. Electronics also recorded strong growth at the end of the half year.”