Thai SCG swings to profit in Q1, eyes growth amid trade tensions
by ChemOrbis Editorial Team - content@chemorbis.com
Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) reported a consolidated profit of 1.1 billion baht ($33 million) for the first quarter of 2025, recovering from a loss of 512 million baht ($15 million) in the fourth quarter, as aggressive cost-cutting and strategic market moves helped offset global trade headwinds.
The company’s EBITDA rose to 12.9 billion baht ($392 million), reflecting operational improvements across all business units. Net debt declined to 290.5 billion baht ($8.8 billion), supported by tighter working capital management. Chemicals and packaging units also posted gains through cost controls and targeted product portfolio changes.
The company warned of growing risks from global trade tensions, following the United States’ move to raise import tariffs, which the IMF cited as a key factor in lowering its 2025 global growth forecast to 2.8%. Thailand’s own GDP growth outlook was also trimmed to 1.8%.
SCG is responding to global trade tensions by targeting high-growth export markets and boosting production flexibility through a diversified manufacturing base across ASEAN, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This approach allows the company to quickly adapt to shifting trade flows and tariff regimes.
Its chemicals unit, SCGC, is closely watching oil price trends, anticipating lower feedstock costs to ease margin pressure. SCGC is also preparing its Long Son Petrochemicals complex in Vietnam for launch once market conditions improve.
The company’s EBITDA rose to 12.9 billion baht ($392 million), reflecting operational improvements across all business units. Net debt declined to 290.5 billion baht ($8.8 billion), supported by tighter working capital management. Chemicals and packaging units also posted gains through cost controls and targeted product portfolio changes.
The company warned of growing risks from global trade tensions, following the United States’ move to raise import tariffs, which the IMF cited as a key factor in lowering its 2025 global growth forecast to 2.8%. Thailand’s own GDP growth outlook was also trimmed to 1.8%.
SCG is responding to global trade tensions by targeting high-growth export markets and boosting production flexibility through a diversified manufacturing base across ASEAN, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This approach allows the company to quickly adapt to shifting trade flows and tariff regimes.
Its chemicals unit, SCGC, is closely watching oil price trends, anticipating lower feedstock costs to ease margin pressure. SCGC is also preparing its Long Son Petrochemicals complex in Vietnam for launch once market conditions improve.
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