The chemical company recently announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025.

For the fourth quarter of 2025, LyondellBasell (LYB) reported a net loss of $140 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the fourth quarter of 2025 were $345 million. During this period, margins and production volumes in North America declined due to higher raw material costs, increased maintenance activities, and seasonally lower demand, which weighed on product prices. In Europe, volumes and margins were also impacted by maintenance activities and seasonally lower demand. For the full year 2025, LYB reported a net loss of $738 million and EBITDA for 2025 was $1.1 billion.
 
LYB attributes the losses in North America to global trade disruptions, falling oil prices, and a well-supplied market due to capacity expansions. In Europe, polymer margins declined during 2025 due to competition from imports, which was partially offset by lower raw material costs. In contrast, the Advanced Polymer Solutions segment achieved significant gains through margin improvements, portfolio optimization, and higher profit rates. “In an exceptionally challenging environment, we focused on safety, operational excellence, and cash conversion to drive progress toward our long-term goals,” said Peter Vanacker, CEO of LYB. The company has made progress with its corporate strategy and achieved significant progress in optimizing its business portfolio. At the same time, measures have been taken to preserve value, such as postponing certain elements of the strategy and limiting investments in circularity and sustainability to markets with proven and resilient demand, according to Vanacker. For 2026, LYB plans to invest $1.2 billion with a focus on safe and reliable operations and the continued construction of the plant for chemical recycling of plastic waste in Cologne Wesseling, which will use LyondellBasell's proprietary MoReTec technology.
 
Sources:

• Press release LyondellBasell (30.1.2026)
• Photo: © LyondellBasell