Rohm and Haas Company has reported record first quarter 2006 sales of $2,083 million, a 3% increase over the same period in 2005. First quarter earnings were $207 million compared with $159 million for the first quarter of 2005.

North American sales of $1,121 million were up 3% over the comparable period in 2005, the result of strong demand and higher pricing in Coatings, Electronic Materials and Performance Chemicals, partially offset by lower sales in Salt. European sales were $498 million for the quarter, down 6% from the same period last year, as higher demand and selling prices were more than offset by the unfavourable impact of currencies. Asia-Pacific sales were $388 million, an 18% increase over the same period last year, largely due to exceptionally strong demand in Electronic Materials, along with strength in Coatings and Performance Chemicals. Latin America sales of $76 million in the quarter were 3% higher than the same period last year, reflecting higher selling prices and the favourable impact of currencies, partially offset by lower demand.