Trading Update

Victrex PLC
4 October 2001



                                  Victrex plc

                                trading update



The Company announces its trading update for the year ended 30 September 2001.


Sales volume for the second half was approximately 700 tonnes (2000: 693
tonnes), making a total of around 1600 tonnes for the year ended 30 September
2001, an increase of 21 % over the previous year.  In addition we achieved a
gross margin in excess of 50% for the second half compared with 47.6% for the
first half.

As foreshadowed in the interim statement, sales for most of the second half
have been restricted by a supply constraint although September sales were
impacted by the weakening global economy.

The supply constraint has been resolved, as planned, by uprating the supply
chain to support 2,300 tonnes per annum of PEEK (TM) sales.  The proposed uprate
to 2,800 tonnes by October 2003 remains on target.

While it is difficult, in this uncertain environment, to predict sales volume
for the new financial year, we expect increased business efficiencies to
produce further margin improvements and remain confident in the underlying
strength and resilience of our business.

The preliminary announcement of the Company's results for the year ended 30
September 2001 will be made on Tuesday 4 December 2001.


                                   - Ends -


For further information please contact:


Victrex plc

Michael Peacock, Finance Director                       01253 897700


Hogarth Partnership Limited

Nick Denton / Tom Leatherbarrow                         0207 357 9477



Victrex plc is an innovative, world-leading, high performance materials group.
It has manufacturing plants and research facilities in the UK, and sales and
distribution centres serving over 30 countries world-wide. It is the sole
manufacturer of PEEK(TM) polymer.

PEEK (TM) polymer is a high performance plastic with a unique combination of
properties, which include exceptional chemical, wear, electrical and
temperature resistance, as well as dimensional stability and numerous
processing capabilities. These properties enable engineers to produce
cost-effective designs for critical applications in such diverse markets as
the industrial, aerospace, automotive, electronics, food and medical sectors.