Bekaert is active in a very wide range of sectors. The largest markets for Bekaert's products are the automotive, construction and energy sectors. Although Bekaert's automotive related sales figures have been impacted by an overall weak demand in mature markets, the trend is gradually improving. The economic crisis also has affected sales in the construction sector. Bekaert continued to perform well across several applications in the energy related and mining sectors.

In line with earlier guidance the substantially lower raw material prices year on year will continue to have a corresponding impact on Bekaert's sales for the last quarter of 2009. Notwithstanding this pricing impact as well as the forecasted negative effect of the strong euro, Bekaert expects fourth quarter consolidated sales in line with previous quarters.