Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the EU chemical industry produced a total of 316 million tonnes of chemicals, representing about 15% of global production.
- EU-27 chemical production index stood at 105.3 in 2023 (2021=100), indicating a recovery post-pandemic.
- Basic chemicals production in EU reached 152 million tonnes in 2022, accounting for 48% of total chemical output.
- In 2022, the EU chemical industry generated sales of €609 billion, a 19% increase from 2021.
- Specialty chemicals sales in EU reached €240 billion in 2022.
- Basic chemicals sales volume in EU-27 was €180 billion in 2022.
- In 2022, the EU chemical industry directly employed 1.2 million people.
- Total employment supported by EU chemical sector was 3.9 million jobs in 2022.
- EU-27 chemical industry employment index was 98.2 in 2023 (2015=100).
- In 2022, EU chemical exports reached €260 billion, 25% of total sales.
- EU chemical imports totaled €240 billion in 2022.
- Trade surplus in EU chemicals was €20 billion in 2022.
- In 2022, EU chemical industry invested €18 billion in R&D, 3% of sales.
- 95% of EU chemical production sites have ISO 14001 certification in 2022.
- EU chemicals GHG emissions reduced 34% since 1990 to 120 Mt CO2eq in 2022.
The EU chemical industry is a major global producer, generating over €600 billion in sales in 2022.
Employment
Employment Interpretation
Production
Production Interpretation
Sales and Revenue
Sales and Revenue Interpretation
Sustainability
Sustainability Interpretation
Trade
Trade Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Eu Chemical Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/eu-chemical-industry-statistics
Diana Reeves. "Eu Chemical Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/eu-chemical-industry-statistics.
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Eu Chemical Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/eu-chemical-industry-statistics.
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