PAINT & PINTURA
Março 2009
www.paintshow.com.br
Trouble ahead
13
Clipping
T
he March issue of Paint & Pintura brings you one of the most important reports of the year, entitled
“Chemical Distribution in Brazil.” To put it together, I conducted a survey with companies that have
been standing out for the customer and other services that they are providing in the middle of a world
crisis. It clearly shows that these distributors are each doing their share by improving their services and
doing all things possible to overcome as best they can the rough patch that the world is going through.
Price adjustments are inevitable throughout the supply chain, and difficulties are more and more pre-
sent, especially due to the fall in business that mostly affects certain market segments. The market in general
is responding calmly and responsibility, and that is just what Brazil needs right now. We cannot just panic
and take drastic measures.
The fact is the world crisis should not be overlooked, including on account of the numerous setbacks that
it has already caused. Leading by example are companies which keep up, to the extent possible, their solid
ideologies, prime services and customer service, the uttermost respect for customers, quality assurance, the
high performance of their products, and their pursuit of excellence. These companies will undoubtedly come
stronger out of the crisis.
An equal setting can be observed in the titanium dioxide market. While manufacturers of this raw material
have been haunted by the difficulties associated with the crisis, the importance of titanium dioxide for paint
quality —including product performance-enhancing properties— leads to positive growth expectations in the
market for this pigment.
Even though it’s very hard to make any forecasts for 2009 in the paint and coatings market in this juncture,
there is one thing that is certain: companies are optimistic and engaged in emerging the victors from this
fiasco. And that’s what counts. We mustn’t be discouraged, but be very cautious and patient instead. After all,
as we’ve seen on other occasions, time heals any wounds. And, as the Portuguese saying goes, “the rings may
go, but the fingers stay.”
Enjoy reading!
Lucélia Monfardini
Editorial