Braskem Triples its Net Income and Registers a Record EBITDA in 2004.

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Braskem S.A. (NYSE:BAK) (BOVESPA:BRKM5) (LATIBEX:XBRK), leader in the thermoplastic resins segment in Latin America and one of the largest Brazilian privately-owned industrial companies, announced today its financial results for 2004 and 4Q04.

--  In 2004, Braskem had record net income of R$691 million,
        corresponding to a 221% increase compared to 2003. EBITDA
        increased by 43%, from R$1.8 billion in 2003 to R$2.5 billion
        in 2004. The Company also had constant growth in its
        operating, economic and financial performance indicators.
        EBITDA margin increased from 19% to 23%.

    --  All of Braskem's business units operated at utilization rates
        in excess of 90% in 2004. In 2005, the Company's production
        capacity will be at its highest, due to investments made in
        2004, which totaled R$374 million, in addition to other
        investments that will be completed in 2005. Braskem also plans
        to operate its units at utilization rates higher than those
        recorded in 2004.

    --  In 2005, the Company also believes that a positive and
        additional impact on its results will be generated by
        productivity and competitiveness improvements resulting from
        its "Braskem +" an operational and business excellence program
        aimed at positioning the Company among the most competitive
        petrochemical companies in the world and which should offer
        additional gains estimated at R$420 million on an annualized
        and recurring basis. In 2004, the year Braskem Plus was
        implemented, this program generated gains of R$90 million,
        also on an annualized and recurring basis, 50% greater than
        the previously estimated goal for the year.

    --  In 2004, domestic market sales of Braskem's thermoplastic
        resins -- polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC -- increased by
        13% growth compared to the previous year, driven by the
        increased demand for these products in Brazil and due to the
        continuing expansion of the Brazilian economy in 2004. Gross
        revenues exceeded R$14 billion, and net revenues increased by
        20% compared to 2003, totaling more than R$11 billion.

    --  The Company maintained its strategic presence in the
        international market in 2004. Exports provided net revenues of
        US$710 million, 15% higher than the amount recorded in 2003.
        The increase of international resin prices fully offset the
        reduction in the volume of exports.

    --  Braskem carried out the largest issuance made by a Brazilian
        company in the international market in 2004, in an aggregate
        amount of R$1.2 billion. In addition, it was highly successful
        in the implementation of its net debt reduction strategy. At
        year end, its net debt totaled R$3.9 billion, a 38% decrease
        compared to the amount recorded at the end of 2003. Braskem's
        net debt/EBITDA ratio was reduced to 1.5 in December 2004,
        compared to 3.5 at the end of the previous year.

    Full earnings release and financial statements in Brazilian
Corporate Law can be accessed at the Braskem's website:
http://www.braskem.com.br.

    Conference Calls and Webcast:

English:    Friday, February 18, 2005
            09:30 a.m. US EST
            12:30 p.m. Brasilia Time
            Tel: [phone] (participants from the USA)
            Tel: [phone] (participants from other countries)
            ID: Braskem ou 5564008

Portuguese: Friday, February 18, 2005
            07:00 a.m. US EST
            10:00 a.m. Brasilia Time
            Tel: [phone]
            ID: Braskem

Meetings with Investors and Analysts: Sao Paulo (February 23, 2005)
and Rio de Janeiro (February 25, 2005).

For additional information, please contact the Investor Relations Area: Jose Marcos Treiger, ([phone], [e-mail], Luiz Henrique Valverde, ([phone], [e-mail], Vasco Barcellos, ([phone], [e-mail]. www.braskem.com.br