Vienna International Basic Resources Industry News

OMV's Borealis to Merge with Borouge in a 30 Billion Euro Deal

OMV's subsidiary Borealis is set to merge with the Abu Dhabi-based petrochemical company Borouge, creating a new global heavyweight in the chemical and plastic sector with an estimated value of 30 billion euros. This significant move marks a transformative step in the ongoing value creation and chemical growth strategy of both companies.

December 14, 2023

Energy Transition and Sustainability: French Visit to the AMAG Aluminum Plant in Upper Austria

The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, visited the AMAG aluminum factory in Upper Austria. He was accompanied by the Honorary Consul Mr. Redlhammer and Mr. Chaumont from the Economic Service. During this visit, they were received by the Managing Director of AMAG, Gerald Mayer, and the company spokesman, Leopold Pöcksteiner. The meeting provided an opportunity to shed light on the company's operational activities, strengths, and challenges.

November 17, 2023

Austria Strengthens its Economic and Diplomatic Relations with Africa

Austria has increased its focus on its economic and diplomatic relations with Africa. The country's trade with sub-Saharan Africa amounted to 2.28 billion euros in 2022, or about 0.56 percent of Austria's total trade volume. Austrian exports to the region increased by 15.7 percent year-on-year to 1.33 billion euros. South Africa, Mali, and Nigeria were the main export markets. Read more about why Africa is important for Austria!

September 28, 2023

Ukraine Secures Grain Export through Croatian Adriatic Ports

Ukraine has reached an agreement with Croatia to export grain through ports on the Adriatic Sea. The agricultural goods are to be shipped to Croatia via the Danube and from there they will be transported further to the Adriatic coast.

August 1, 2023

OMV's Polyolefins Business Cooperation: Concerns Raised as Greens Question Borealis' Future

Austrian energy company OMV has decided to pursue negotiations with ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, on potential cooperation of their polyolefins business. This reinforces certain concerns of the critical voices on the OMV-ADNOC deal.

July 16, 2023

What are the Seibersdorf Laboratories?

Nuclear technologies and applications should be safely researched under international supervision. In Seibersdorf, Austria, the International Atomic Energy Agency maintains eight nuclear applications laboratories. Read on to find out more about the Seibersdorf Laboratories!

November 17, 2022

Austria Increases Contribution to World Food Program to 60 Million Euros

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the issue of food supply into global focus. Therefore, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry budget will be increased to 20 million euros annually from 2023-2025. A strategic partnership between Austria and the World Food Programme (WFP) is also in the works.

October 16, 2022

Why Germany and Austria Are More Dependent on China for Strategic Raw Materials than on Russian Gas

China has established global dominance over many of the strategic raw materials needed to be competitive in the economy of the future. Read how Austria, Germany, and others have arguably become more dependent on these materials from China than on Russian gas.

July 5, 2022

How China's Global Infrastructure Strategy Undermines European Integration in the Western Balkans and Beyond

The accession of the Western Balkans countries into the European Union continues to be a topic of debate amongst the EU Member States. Read how China's global infrastructure strategy may be undermining these countries' aspirations for EU membership.

May 19, 2022

Continued Strong Interdependence of Business between Russian, Ukrainian and Austrian Companies

Austrian businesses have established significant ties with those in Ukraine and Russia over the years. Read about the amount of business Austria does with each country and how the recent escalation of tensions could affect this.

February 23, 2022

Expo 2020 Dubai: Austria's Youth Showcase Their Innovation

The four teams that won Austria's "Innovative Youth" competition will get to showcase their projects at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Read about the competition and what the winning projects were.

January 27, 2022

Western Balkans: Foreign Minister Linhart Visits Albania and North Macedonia

Foreign Minister Linhart, accompanied by an Austrian business delegation, visited the Western Balkan States of North Macedonia and Albania. Read about the foreign minister's meetings with various government officials, as well as his meetings with local business people as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative.

November 22, 2021

Austrian Foreign Trade Picks Up Again

Austria's foreign trade in 2021 has improved significantly compared to 2020, and in some months, it is even approaching the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Read the detailed numbers showing that Austrian trade is picking up again.

November 11, 2021

Alexander Maculan Receives Russian Order of Friendship

Alexander Maculan, CEO of TAMAK Holding AG, was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij at a recent meeting of the Austro-Russian Business Council at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Read about Maculan and why he was given this honor.

November 4, 2021

Doing Business with the United Arab Emirates: World Expo 2020 Opens in Dubai

The World Expo 2020, which kept its name despite being delayed to 2021, is set to begin in Dubai on 1 October. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a particularly sought-after market for many Austrian companies. Read about the upcoming Expo, the economic relationship between Austria and the UAE, and some of the many Austrian companies that have found success there.

September 23, 2021

Austrian University Spin-offs at the World Expo in Dubai

The World Expo 2020, which retained its name despite being postponed to 2021, will begin in October in Dubai. Various Austrian university spin-offs will present their innovations that will have positive impacts on climate-conscious behavior. These spin-offs include GREENPASS, REEgain, WoodC.A.R., City Intelligence Lab (CIL), Mostly AI's Mostly GENERATE, and Incremental3D's myPot. Read more about Austria's contribution to the upcoming World Expo and what innovations these spin-offs will be presenting.

September 8, 2021 · Updated: September 8, 2021; 16:16

ÖBAG: Attorney Edith Hlawati to Succeed Thomas Schmid

The Supervisory Board of Österreichische Beteiligungs AG (ÖBAG) has appointed the internationally recognized business lawyer Dr. Edith Hlawati as the new Chief Executive Officer of ÖBAG. She will succeed Thomas Schmid and take over the management of the state holding on 1 February 2022. Learn more about her and the selection process.

August 30, 2021

Austrian Wholesale Prices: Largest Increase Since March 2011

In July 2021, wholesale prices saw their largest year-over-year increase since March 2011. The increases can be seen in the steel industry, gas industry, agricultural industry, and more. Read about which other industries the increases are affecting and just how significant the increases are.

August 6, 2021

Arab Ambassadors in Vienna and Economic Relations between their Countries and Austria

The Ambassadors from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, and the UAE to Austria provided an economic overview of their countries and their relationship with Austria in an online forum with the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC).

July 11, 2021

WKO and IV: Need for "Climate Protection with Common Sense"

The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) demand appropriate framework conditions for climate-friendly behavior instead of the race for ever higher climate targets. Both Secretary Generals want "climate protection with common sense".

December 10, 2020

Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion

The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.

September 23, 2020

Foreign Trade Has Partially Recovered from Crisis

According to the latest report from Statistics Austria, imports and exports are only slightly behind last year's number indicating an upwards trend after Covid-19 has impacted foreign trade significantly.

September 8, 2020

WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.

September 7, 2020

Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.

August 31, 2020

Vienna Based UNIDO Holds Expert Panel to Discuss Developments in Industry and Society

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization hosted an expert panel about the future of industry and society. Main topics were the advancement of attaining the sustainable development goals and shaping society as a whole.

August 21, 2020

Austria's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs: New EU Trade Agreement with Vietnam Opens Doors

New EU trade agreement with Vietnam is likely to open doors to a very profitable market for Austrian businesses. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck hopes that domestic companies can capitalize on the favorable conditions in the future.

August 1, 2020

AMAG Exceeds EUR 1 Billion Revenue Level for First Time in Its History

AMAG Austria Metall AG continued on its growth track in the 2017 financial year, achieving its best operating result historically (Revenue: +14 % to EUR 1,036.2 million; EBITDA: +15 % to EUR 164.5 million) and reaching a milestone for further organic growth with the commissioning of its new cold rolling mill and further finishing plants. Net income after taxes amounted to EUR 63.2 million (+36 %).

February 27, 2018

Egger Holzwerkstoffe to Issue Subordinated Bond

Egger Holzwerkstoffe intends to issue a deeply subordinated bond with perpetual maturity and an early redemption option for the issuer after five years (hybrid bond). UniCredit Bank AG has been mandated as Sole Structuring Advisor and Sole Bookrunner. Raiffeisen Bank International AG acts as co-lead manager.

February 26, 2018

Lenzing AG - Dividend Remains Constant, Special Dividend Higher

The Management Board of Lenzing AG has resolved to propose distribution of an unchanged basic and higher special dividend for 2017 financial year on the basis of its preliminary business results which have not yet been subject to a final audit. The dividend of EUR 3.00 per share is planned to remain constant, whereas the special dividend should be increased from EUR 1.20 to EUR 2.00 per share due to Lenzing's performance in the 2017 financial year.

February 26, 2018

Andritz Receives 90 Million Euros Order for Power Plant Renewal in Canada

The listed technology group Andritz has landed a major order for the renovation of a hydroelectric power station in Canada. "The order value is over 90 million euros," said Andritz by press release. The Styrian company will therefore renew six of the eight turbine units of a power plant in the province of Saskatchewan for the Canadian electricity supplier SaskPower.

October 31, 2017

Voestalpine Acquires Specialty Steel Firms in Shanghai and Barcelona

Voestalpine steel buys two specialty steel firms. With the purchase of Advanced Tooling Tek (ATT) in Shanghai, China, and the Sermetal Group in Barcelona, Spain, Voestalpine is enhancing its position as a producer of special steels. Both companies are specialized in the processing and sale of special steel products for tool and mold-making, a segment whose main customers are the automotive and electronics industries. Together ATT and the Sermetal Group have around 160 employees and generated a total revenue of around EUR 43 million in 2015.

April 7, 2016

Voestalpine Increased Revenue by 4.1% in First Half 2015/16

In the first half of the business year 2015/16 (April 1 to September 30), the steel group Voestalpine continued its performance despite an economic environment that – viewed globally – is inconsistent. In a year-to-year comparison, it increased its revenue by 4.1% from EUR 5.6 billion to EUR 5.8 billion.

November 11, 2015

Voestalpine Buys Italian Drawn Wire Producer

Voestalpine is expanding its activities in the drawn wire business segment and has completed its acquisition of Italian company Trafilerie Industriali S.p.A. based in Nervesa della Battaglia (Treviso). The acquisition of this Italian manufacturer of special wires brings additional strength to the Voestalpine product portfolio of drawn wire for the automotive industry.

January 12, 2015

Voestalpine with Jump in Earnings in the First Half of the Business Year

Despite a persistently challenging economic climate, the voestalpine Group posted a largely solid performance during the first half of the business year 2014/15 (April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015). At -1.5%, revenue was down slightly, from EUR 5.64 billion to EUR 5.56 billion.

November 5, 2014

Strabag to Build Steel Plant in Russia for € 300 Million

Publicly listed construction group Strabag SE has been contracted by Russia’s Tula-Steel Company to build a steel production and rolling mill in Tula, some 200 km south of Moscow. The industrial complex will be constructed in close vicinity to Tulachermet’s existing iron mill. The contract value is € 300 million. Construction of the project will begin in autumn 2014 and is expected to be completed within 36 months. Also today, BWB the Austrian antitrust authority has approved the acquisition of a total of 25% in Strabag by Oleg Deripaska, the Russian oligarch.

July 14, 2014

Austrian Export Award 2014 for Above-Average Export Commitment

As part of a festive gala evening in Vienna's Museumsquartier, the Austrian Export Prize 2014 has been awarded by the Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economics, Reinhold Mitterlehner, and the President of the Economic Chamber Austria (WKO) Christoph Leitl.

June 26, 2014

Voestalpine Plans Further Acquisitions

In an interview with the Financial Times, Voestalpine CEO Wolfgang Eder confirms his ambition to grow through acquisitions and to double its revenue by acquiring suitable targets in the special steel division in China and North America.

June 16, 2014

High Potential for Austrian Investments in Moldova

Austria is one of the most active countries in the CESEE region ranking first in foreign direct investments (FDI) in many countries.

May 22, 2014 · Updated: May 22, 2014; 13:05

Austrian Prinzhorn Holding to Invest Massively in Hungary

Prinzhorn Holding will build its own power plant in Hungary to supply its paper factory in Dunaujvaros.

May 21, 2014

voestalpine to Invest Further in China

Listed Austrian steel producer voestalpine opened another business location in China.

May 14, 2014

CEE: Surge in Sales for French Lafarge

The French building material group Lafarge saw a strong increase in sales in Romania and Eastern Europe in general.

May 9, 2014

Austria: Mitsubishi Takes Over Majority Stake in Siemens‘ VAI

The industrial systems subsidiary of Siemens, VAI with the business location in Linz, is sold to Japanese competitor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

May 7, 2014

Pewag Striving for Larger Market Share in US

The Austrian snow chain manufacturer appreciates the label “Made in USA”.

May 6, 2014

“US Rolls Out Red Carpet for Austrian Industrial Enterprises”

Potential Austrian investors are attracted with many incentives such as low energy costs, few bureaucratical hurdles and excellent infrastructure.

May 5, 2014 · Updated: May 6, 2014; 13:25

Federation of Industries: “Industrial Compact“ for European Competitiveness

The Austrian Federation of Industries (IV) considers the EU entry of Austria as the basis of prosperty and economic growth in the past years. However, now reforms are required to catch up to a global level.

May 5, 2014

Majority of Czech Entrepreneurs Want Euro

According to a survey, more than three quarters of Czech entrepreneurs are in favor of the country adopting the Euro.

April 30, 2014

Austria: Industrial Production with Growth Potential

Austrian industry continues to grow - but somewhat less dynamically than at the turn of the year.

April 30, 2014

Do Taxes Justify a Relocation of Business?

Tax sensitive business operations should be relocated to other areas if necessary, according to the head of Erste Bank Austria.

April 24, 2014

Eder: Policy-Makers Have to Make Decisions

Wolfgang Eder, CEO of Austrian steel manufacturer voestalpine, claims not to have heard anything from the Austrian policy makers after he raised criticizm with regard to the Austrian business location.

April 24, 2014

Austria: Calls for Reduction of Bureaucracy Become Louder

Bureaucratic hurdles burden the Austrian enterprises the most apart from taxes and other levies.

April 23, 2014