Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported profit of $425 million on sales $2.86 billion for the second quarter of 2011, compared to profit of $371 million on sales of $2.53 billion for the same period a year ago.

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Sales increased across all geographic regions with continued strong growth from manufacturing, metals and chemicals markets. Sales rose 6 percent sequentially from the first quarter due primarily to higher volumes and price.

In North America, second-quarter sales were $1.37 billion, up 7 percent from the prior-year quarter, due primarily to organic growth. Sales growth was strongest to manufacturing, chemicals and metals markets. Operating profit of $336 million grew 14 percent from the prior year due primarily to productivity, price and higher volumes.

In Europe, second-quarter sales were $367 million, up 10 percent from the prior year, primarily due to positive currency effects. Operating profit declined 5 percent from the prior-year quarter to $69 million due to lower volumes in packaged gases and margin pressures.

In South America, second-quarter sales of $611 million grew 25 percent versus the prior-year quarter. Excluding currency effects, sales grew 14 percent due primarily to higher on-site, merchant and packaged gas sales to manufacturing, metals and food and beverage markets and higher pricing. Operating profit was $139 million, 22 percent above the prior-year quarter, due to higher volumes, price, productivity and currency effects.

Sales in Asia were $341 million in the quarter, up 22 percent from the prior year driven by strong growth in China, India and Korea. Sales growth came from electronics, metals and chemical customers. Operating profit was $56 million, 27 percent above the prior-year quarter, due primarily to higher volumes and price.

Praxair Surface Technologies had second-quarter sales of $168 million, up 19 percent from the prior-year quarter. Sales growth came from higher industrial and aviation coatings volumes. Operating profit of $27 million in the quarter was 23 percent above the prior-year period due primarily to higher volumes.

For the first six months, sales were $5.56 billion, up 12 percent in a year-over-year comparison. Profit increased 20 percent to $823 million.