GITNUXREPORT 2025

Chemicals Industry Statistics

Global chemicals industry grows, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and regional dominance.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The industry faces a significant challenge with approximately 2.8 million tons of chemical waste generated annually

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The chemical industry is one of the top three industrial contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 15% of manufacturing emissions globally

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Approximately 40% of chemical industry emissions could be mitigated through improved energy efficiency and cleaner production techniques

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The ocean plastics pollution problem includes chemicals that pose risks to marine life and human health, with over 300,000 tons of plastics entering the oceans annually

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The industry’s environmental regulations cost global chemical companies approximately $50 billion annually in compliance costs

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The chemical industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, with over 30% of chemical companies reporting substantial investments in green chemistry initiatives in 2023

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Approximately 80% of industrial spills involve chemicals, which necessitates strict safety protocols

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The chemical industry’s energy consumption accounts for about 10% of industrial energy use worldwide, emphasizing the focus on energy efficiency

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The global regulation landscape for chemicals has expanded, with over 50 new chemical safety regulations introduced globally since 2018, aiming to improve safety and environmental impact

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The chemical sector accounts for approximately 3% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, underlining its environmental impact

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Over 60% of the chemicals used in the production of paints and coatings are derived from petrochemical feedstocks, emphasizing reliance on fossil fuels

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The adoption of circular economy practices in the chemicals sector is projected to reduce waste by up to 30% globally by 2030

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The chemical industry’s total investment in environmental management and pollution control reached over $20 billion globally in 2022, indicating increased emphasis on sustainability

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The chemical industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)

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The chemical industry is responsible for employing over 10 million people worldwide

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The use of digital technologies like IoT and AI is expected to improve efficiency in chemical manufacturing by up to 20% by 2025

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The global demand for nylon and polyester fibers is expected to increase by 3% annually through 2030, driven by apparel and industrial sectors

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The use of nanotechnology in chemicals production is expected to increase by 8% annually through 2028, offering new material capabilities

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The chemical industry has seen a 12% increase in mergers and acquisitions globally in 2022, reflecting consolidation trends

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The demand for lignin-based chemicals is growing at a CAGR of 7% as research advances their use as renewable alternatives

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The growth of the chemical industry in Africa is outpacing other regions, with an estimated CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2027, driven by resource-rich economies

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The use of renewable feedstocks in chemical manufacturing is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8% through 2025, driven by sustainability initiatives

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The global chemicals market was valued at approximately $5.4 trillion in 2022

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The global chemical industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2023 to 2030

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Approximately 35% of the chemicals produced worldwide are used in the agriculture sector, especially fertilizers and pesticides

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The plastics segment alone made up about 50% of the chemical industry's output in 2022

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The global demand for specialty chemicals is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2027

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The global market for bio-based chemicals was valued at $4.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $11.4 billion by 2030

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The chemical industry contributes approximately $1.2 trillion to the US economy annually

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The primary raw material for the chemical industry is crude oil, accounting for around 70-80% of feedstock costs

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The global demand for epoxy resins is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030

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The global market for catalysts in chemical manufacturing is expected to reach $27 billion by 2025

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The global ethanolamines market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow, driven by demand in surfactants and gas treatment

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The global market for chlor-alkali products (like caustic soda, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid) was valued at over $55 billion in 2022

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The global demand for biodegradable plastics, a segment of the chemicals industry, is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% from 2022 to 2030

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In 2022, about 45% of the chemicals produced globally were exported, indicating a highly interconnected global trade in chemicals

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The employment in the specialty chemicals sector is expected to grow by 7% annually until 2027, as demand for high-performance materials increases

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The global paint and coatings chemicals market was valued at $20 billion in 2021, driven largely by construction and automotive industries

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The volume of hazardous chemicals transported annually across the globe exceeds 1 billion tons, requiring strict safety regulations

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The demand for petrochemical derivatives in the pharmaceutical industry is growing, with estimates suggesting over 35% of pharmaceutical active ingredients are derived from petrochemicals

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The global market for industrial gases, essential for chemical processing, was valued at over $100 billion in 2020, with stable growth projected

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The chemical recycling industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% over the next decade, helping to address plastic waste issues

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The chemical industry spends about $200 billion annually on raw materials, with crude oil and natural gas being the principal sources

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The role of chemicals in water treatment accounts for roughly 25% of all chemical production, highlighting their importance in public health

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The global market for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals is projected to reach $8 billion by 2027 due to their extensive industrial applications

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The global market for process oils in chemical manufacturing is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026, driven by demand in rubber and tire industries

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The global market for agrochemicals reached a value of approximately $70 billion in 2022, with fertilizers constituting the largest segment

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The global demand for cleaning and disinfectant chemicals surged by 7% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming the sector

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Asia-Pacific dominates the chemicals industry, representing nearly 60% of global production in 2022

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The United States is the largest producer of chemicals in the world, producing over 20% of the global chemical output in 2022

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Asia-Pacific accounted for over 55% of the global chemical trade volume in 2022

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Two-thirds of global chemical manufacturing facilities are located in North America and Europe, highlighting regional concentration

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The chemical industry contributes significantly to innovations, with over 25% of R&D spending in manufacturing sectors directed towards chemical innovations in 2022

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Chemical manufacturing productivity increased by an average of 4.5% per year between 2010 and 2020 due to innovations and automation

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The chemicals industry is investing heavily in digital traceability systems, with over 40% of companies reporting advanced blockchain applications by 2023

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Key Highlights

The global chemicals market was valued at approximately $5.4 trillion in 2022
The chemical industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)
Asia-Pacific dominates the chemicals industry, representing nearly 60% of global production in 2022
The United States is the largest producer of chemicals in the world, producing over 20% of the global chemical output in 2022
The global chemical industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2023 to 2030
Approximately 35% of the chemicals produced worldwide are used in the agriculture sector, especially fertilizers and pesticides
The plastics segment alone made up about 50% of the chemical industry's output in 2022
The global demand for specialty chemicals is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2027
The chemical industry is responsible for employing over 10 million people worldwide
The industry faces a significant challenge with approximately 2.8 million tons of chemical waste generated annually
The use of digital technologies like IoT and AI is expected to improve efficiency in chemical manufacturing by up to 20% by 2025
The global market for bio-based chemicals was valued at $4.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $11.4 billion by 2030
The chemical industry contributes approximately $1.2 trillion to the US economy annually

The chemicals industry, a $5.4 trillion global powerhouse fueling innovation, sustainability efforts, and economic growth across continents, is poised for remarkable expansion amid rising demand, technological advancements, and environmental challenges.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

The industry faces a significant challenge with approximately 2.8 million tons of chemical waste generated annually
The chemical industry is one of the top three industrial contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 15% of manufacturing emissions globally
Approximately 40% of chemical industry emissions could be mitigated through improved energy efficiency and cleaner production techniques
The ocean plastics pollution problem includes chemicals that pose risks to marine life and human health, with over 300,000 tons of plastics entering the oceans annually
The industry’s environmental regulations cost global chemical companies approximately $50 billion annually in compliance costs
The chemical industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, with over 30% of chemical companies reporting substantial investments in green chemistry initiatives in 2023
Approximately 80% of industrial spills involve chemicals, which necessitates strict safety protocols
The chemical industry’s energy consumption accounts for about 10% of industrial energy use worldwide, emphasizing the focus on energy efficiency
The global regulation landscape for chemicals has expanded, with over 50 new chemical safety regulations introduced globally since 2018, aiming to improve safety and environmental impact
The chemical sector accounts for approximately 3% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, underlining its environmental impact
Over 60% of the chemicals used in the production of paints and coatings are derived from petrochemical feedstocks, emphasizing reliance on fossil fuels
The adoption of circular economy practices in the chemicals sector is projected to reduce waste by up to 30% globally by 2030
The chemical industry’s total investment in environmental management and pollution control reached over $20 billion globally in 2022, indicating increased emphasis on sustainability

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

Despite pouring over $20 billion into pollution control and adopting green innovations, the chemicals industry still churns out 2.8 million tons of waste annually, fueling a cycle where environmental costs and regulatory expenses—totaling tens of billions—are offset only by an earnest push toward sustainability and cleaner production, all while contributing significantly to greenhouse gases and marine pollution that threaten both ecosystems and human health.

Industry Size

The chemical industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)
The chemical industry is responsible for employing over 10 million people worldwide

Industry Size Interpretation

With its 7% contribution to global GDP and a workforce exceeding 10 million, the chemical industry is truly the unsung backbone of modern civilization—powering economies and livelihoods in one reactive step.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The use of digital technologies like IoT and AI is expected to improve efficiency in chemical manufacturing by up to 20% by 2025
The global demand for nylon and polyester fibers is expected to increase by 3% annually through 2030, driven by apparel and industrial sectors
The use of nanotechnology in chemicals production is expected to increase by 8% annually through 2028, offering new material capabilities
The chemical industry has seen a 12% increase in mergers and acquisitions globally in 2022, reflecting consolidation trends
The demand for lignin-based chemicals is growing at a CAGR of 7% as research advances their use as renewable alternatives
The growth of the chemical industry in Africa is outpacing other regions, with an estimated CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2027, driven by resource-rich economies
The use of renewable feedstocks in chemical manufacturing is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8% through 2025, driven by sustainability initiatives

Market Trends and Future Outlook Interpretation

As digital innovation and sustainable materials accelerate growth, the chemicals industry stands at a pivotal crossroad where technological advancements and regional developments poised to boost efficiency, expand markets, and redefine environmental commitments by 2025 and beyond.

Market Value and Industry Size

The global chemicals market was valued at approximately $5.4 trillion in 2022
The global chemical industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2023 to 2030
Approximately 35% of the chemicals produced worldwide are used in the agriculture sector, especially fertilizers and pesticides
The plastics segment alone made up about 50% of the chemical industry's output in 2022
The global demand for specialty chemicals is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2027
The global market for bio-based chemicals was valued at $4.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $11.4 billion by 2030
The chemical industry contributes approximately $1.2 trillion to the US economy annually
The primary raw material for the chemical industry is crude oil, accounting for around 70-80% of feedstock costs
The global demand for epoxy resins is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030
The global market for catalysts in chemical manufacturing is expected to reach $27 billion by 2025
The global ethanolamines market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow, driven by demand in surfactants and gas treatment
The global market for chlor-alkali products (like caustic soda, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid) was valued at over $55 billion in 2022
The global demand for biodegradable plastics, a segment of the chemicals industry, is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% from 2022 to 2030
In 2022, about 45% of the chemicals produced globally were exported, indicating a highly interconnected global trade in chemicals
The employment in the specialty chemicals sector is expected to grow by 7% annually until 2027, as demand for high-performance materials increases
The global paint and coatings chemicals market was valued at $20 billion in 2021, driven largely by construction and automotive industries
The volume of hazardous chemicals transported annually across the globe exceeds 1 billion tons, requiring strict safety regulations
The demand for petrochemical derivatives in the pharmaceutical industry is growing, with estimates suggesting over 35% of pharmaceutical active ingredients are derived from petrochemicals
The global market for industrial gases, essential for chemical processing, was valued at over $100 billion in 2020, with stable growth projected
The chemical recycling industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% over the next decade, helping to address plastic waste issues
The chemical industry spends about $200 billion annually on raw materials, with crude oil and natural gas being the principal sources
The role of chemicals in water treatment accounts for roughly 25% of all chemical production, highlighting their importance in public health
The global market for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals is projected to reach $8 billion by 2027 due to their extensive industrial applications
The global market for process oils in chemical manufacturing is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026, driven by demand in rubber and tire industries
The global market for agrochemicals reached a value of approximately $70 billion in 2022, with fertilizers constituting the largest segment
The global demand for cleaning and disinfectant chemicals surged by 7% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming the sector

Market Value and Industry Size Interpretation

With a $5.4 trillion valuation in 2022 and a growing footprint across agriculture, plastics, and bio-based sectors, the chemicals industry is both a cornerstone of modern life and a vast, interconnected market, where over 1 billion tons of hazardous materials traverse global borders annually—reminding us that progress often rides on a chemical highway paved with innovation and caution alike.

Regional and Country-Specific Insights

Asia-Pacific dominates the chemicals industry, representing nearly 60% of global production in 2022
The United States is the largest producer of chemicals in the world, producing over 20% of the global chemical output in 2022
Asia-Pacific accounted for over 55% of the global chemical trade volume in 2022
Two-thirds of global chemical manufacturing facilities are located in North America and Europe, highlighting regional concentration

Regional and Country-Specific Insights Interpretation

While Asia-Pacific commands nearly 60% of production and handles over half of the trade volume, the fact that two-thirds of chemical manufacturing facilities are clustered in North America and Europe underscores a regional concentration that balances global dominance with localized industrial hubs.

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The chemical industry contributes significantly to innovations, with over 25% of R&D spending in manufacturing sectors directed towards chemical innovations in 2022
Chemical manufacturing productivity increased by an average of 4.5% per year between 2010 and 2020 due to innovations and automation
The chemicals industry is investing heavily in digital traceability systems, with over 40% of companies reporting advanced blockchain applications by 2023

Technological Advancements and Innovation Interpretation

As the chemical industry accelerates its innovation and automation engines—spending heavily on R&D, boosting productivity, and adopting blockchain—it's clear that chemistry isn't just about reactions anymore, but about transforming itself into a smart, traceable backbone of modern manufacturing.