GITNUXREPORT 2025

Supply Chain In The Chemical Industry Statistics

Chemical supply chains face disruptions; digital and sustainable solutions drive resilience.

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 chemical industry accounts for approximately 7% of global manufacturing output

Statistic 2

55% of chemical manufacturers are adopting AI-driven demand forecasting to improve supply chain resilience

Statistic 3

The use of blockchain technology in the chemical supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2025

Statistic 4

The global demand for specialty chemicals is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%, influencing supply chain complexity

Statistic 5

Nearly 50% of chemical firms cited regulatory compliance as their primary driver for supply chain digital transformation

Statistic 6

52% of chemical supply chain-related cyberattacks in 2022 targeted small and medium enterprises

Statistic 7

60% of chemical manufacturers expect increased pressure to shorten delivery lead times in the next five years

Statistic 8

The global market for chemical packaging is projected to reach $70 billion by 2025, driving supply chain demand for specialized packaging solutions

Statistic 9

The chemical sector is one of the top five industries for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics and automation, to improve supply chain efficiency

Statistic 10

The adoption rate of autonomous vehicles for chemical transportation is expected to double from 2022 to 2025

Statistic 11

More than 50% of chemical companies are investing in greener transportation options to reduce emissions

Statistic 12

The average chemical shipment size has increased by 12% over the past five years due to larger batch manufacturing

Statistic 13

65% of chemical companies report challenges in securing compliance with international export/import regulations

Statistic 14

Adoption of cold chain logistics in the chemical industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2025, particularly in pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals

Statistic 15

Approximately 40% of chemical firms are investing in sustainable packaging to meet environmental regulations

Statistic 16

The global market for chemical raw materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2028, impacting supply chain sourcing strategies

Statistic 17

82% of chemical companies report that environmental sustainability is now a core part of their supply chain strategy

Statistic 18

The number of chemical supply chain audits increased by 25% during 2020-2022, reflecting heightened regulatory and safety concerns

Statistic 19

Approximately 68% of chemical companies prioritize supply chain sustainability initiatives to meet new environmental standards

Statistic 20

The chemical industry’s inventory turnover ratio averages around 4.2, indicating the number of times inventory is sold and replaced over a year

Statistic 21

Just 18% of chemical companies currently utilize predictive analytics for inventory management

Statistic 22

The average inventory carrying cost for chemicals is roughly 20% of total inventory value annually

Statistic 23

Chemical industry companies that adopted cloud-based supply chain management solutions reduced their operational costs by an average of 12%

Statistic 24

Supply chain digital maturity scores are positively correlated with profitability, with top quartile firms scoring 30% higher in efficiency metrics

Statistic 25

Blockchain implementation in chemical supply chains can reduce document verification times by up to 40%

Statistic 26

The adoption of predictive maintenance solutions in chemical plants can reduce downtime by up to 30%, improving overall supply chain reliability

Statistic 27

The chemical industry’s automation investment is projected to reach $4.8 billion globally by 2025, driving efficiency gains

Statistic 28

The growth of regional hubs for chemical manufacturing and distribution is expected to steady at a rate of 3.5% annually through 2026, to optimize supply routes

Statistic 29

The global chemical supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 30

Over 60% of chemical companies reported supply chain disruptions in 2022 due to pandemic-related issues

Statistic 31

Just 25% of chemical companies have fully integrated supply chain digital solutions

Statistic 32

Approximately 33% of chemicals shipped are transported via pipeline, highlighting the importance of pipeline logistics

Statistic 33

The average lead time for chemical supply chain orders is approximately 25 days, with significant variation depending on the product and region

Statistic 34

The supply chain costs for chemical companies can constitute up to 15% of total production costs

Statistic 35

The global chemical logistics market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%

Statistic 36

70% of supply chain disruptions in the chemical industry are caused by transportation delays

Statistic 37

The chemical industry faces an estimated $20 billion annual loss due to supply chain inefficiencies

Statistic 38

The lead time for raw material procurement in the chemical industry can account for up to 30% of total production time

Statistic 39

85% of chemical companies have experienced supply chain delays in the past year

Statistic 40

Only 15% of chemical companies conduct comprehensive supply chain risk assessments annually

Statistic 41

The chemical industry’s carbon footprint related to supply chain logistics is responsible for approximately 12% of total emissions

Statistic 42

65% of chemical industry supply chain managers are concerned about geopolitical risks impacting their logistics routes

Statistic 43

Approximately 30% of chemical supply chain disruptions are due to supplier shortages or failure

Statistic 44

40% of chemical companies report difficulties in managing waste and hazardous materials within their supply chains

Statistic 45

Over 45% of chemical companies utilize third-party logistics providers for their distribution needs

Statistic 46

Supply chain resilience measures, such as diversified sourcing, are implemented by 55% of chemical firms post-pandemic

Statistic 47

The average cost of outbound logistics per ton of chemicals is approximately $150, varying significantly by region and product type

Statistic 48

Risk mitigation strategies like safety stock inventory and multiple sourcing are used by over 70% of chemical companies to prevent supply chain disruption

Statistic 49

Only 22% of chemical companies have comprehensive contingency plans for supply chain disruptions

Statistic 50

The chemical industry’s demand for raw materials is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade, putting additional pressure on supply chains

Statistic 51

Chemical industry waste management supply chains are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, driven by stricter regulations

Statistic 52

The global chemical industry is aiming to reduce supply chain-related greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030

Statistic 53

The chemical industry’s just-in-time inventory practices have increased in frequency by 18% over the last five years to reduce inventory costs and improve responsiveness

Statistic 54

Over 35% of chemical companies are actively participating in collaborative supply chain platforms to enhance visibility and efficiency

Statistic 55

The average transportation cost per chemical shipment has increased by 10% since 2019, mainly due to fuel prices and driver shortages

Statistic 56

Only 12% of chemical companies currently use advanced analytics for transportation route optimization, indicating a significant growth opportunity

Statistic 57

45% of chemical companies have adopted IoT technologies to monitor supply chain assets

Statistic 58

About 40% of chemical production companies plan to increase investment in supply chain automation in the next five years

Statistic 59

78% of chemical companies claim that supply chain visibility has improved since implementing advanced tracking technologies

Statistic 60

The implementation of digital twins in chemical supply chains is projected to increase by 28% annually through 2026

Statistic 61

77% of chemical supply chain managers see digital twin technology as pivotal for future planning

Statistic 62

About 20% of chemical companies are experimenting with 3D printing for spare parts and manufacturing, aiming to streamline supply chain processes

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Key Highlights

The chemical industry accounts for approximately 7% of global manufacturing output
The global chemical supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028
Over 60% of chemical companies reported supply chain disruptions in 2022 due to pandemic-related issues
Just 25% of chemical companies have fully integrated supply chain digital solutions
The chemical industry’s inventory turnover ratio averages around 4.2, indicating the number of times inventory is sold and replaced over a year
Approximately 33% of chemicals shipped are transported via pipeline, highlighting the importance of pipeline logistics
The average lead time for chemical supply chain orders is approximately 25 days, with significant variation depending on the product and region
45% of chemical companies have adopted IoT technologies to monitor supply chain assets
The supply chain costs for chemical companies can constitute up to 15% of total production costs
The global chemical logistics market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%
About 40% of chemical production companies plan to increase investment in supply chain automation in the next five years
70% of supply chain disruptions in the chemical industry are caused by transportation delays
The chemical industry faces an estimated $20 billion annual loss due to supply chain inefficiencies

Navigating the complex world of the chemical industry’s supply chain is more critical than ever, as staggering statistics reveal ongoing disruptions, rising costs, and a pressing push toward digital and sustainable solutions.

Industry Impact and Trends

The chemical industry accounts for approximately 7% of global manufacturing output
55% of chemical manufacturers are adopting AI-driven demand forecasting to improve supply chain resilience
The use of blockchain technology in the chemical supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2025
The global demand for specialty chemicals is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%, influencing supply chain complexity
Nearly 50% of chemical firms cited regulatory compliance as their primary driver for supply chain digital transformation
52% of chemical supply chain-related cyberattacks in 2022 targeted small and medium enterprises
60% of chemical manufacturers expect increased pressure to shorten delivery lead times in the next five years
The global market for chemical packaging is projected to reach $70 billion by 2025, driving supply chain demand for specialized packaging solutions
The chemical sector is one of the top five industries for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics and automation, to improve supply chain efficiency
The adoption rate of autonomous vehicles for chemical transportation is expected to double from 2022 to 2025
More than 50% of chemical companies are investing in greener transportation options to reduce emissions
The average chemical shipment size has increased by 12% over the past five years due to larger batch manufacturing
65% of chemical companies report challenges in securing compliance with international export/import regulations
Adoption of cold chain logistics in the chemical industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2025, particularly in pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals
Approximately 40% of chemical firms are investing in sustainable packaging to meet environmental regulations
The global market for chemical raw materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2028, impacting supply chain sourcing strategies
82% of chemical companies report that environmental sustainability is now a core part of their supply chain strategy
The number of chemical supply chain audits increased by 25% during 2020-2022, reflecting heightened regulatory and safety concerns
Approximately 68% of chemical companies prioritize supply chain sustainability initiatives to meet new environmental standards

Industry Impact and Trends Interpretation

As the chemical industry strives to lead the charge toward smarter, greener, and more resilient supply chains—bolstered by AI, blockchain, and Industry 4.0—its increasing complexity and regulatory hurdles reveal that even in a highly reactive sector, proactive innovation remains the best formula for stability amidst the growing storm of environmental and logistical challenges.

Operational Efficiency and Performance

The chemical industry’s inventory turnover ratio averages around 4.2, indicating the number of times inventory is sold and replaced over a year
Just 18% of chemical companies currently utilize predictive analytics for inventory management
The average inventory carrying cost for chemicals is roughly 20% of total inventory value annually
Chemical industry companies that adopted cloud-based supply chain management solutions reduced their operational costs by an average of 12%
Supply chain digital maturity scores are positively correlated with profitability, with top quartile firms scoring 30% higher in efficiency metrics
Blockchain implementation in chemical supply chains can reduce document verification times by up to 40%
The adoption of predictive maintenance solutions in chemical plants can reduce downtime by up to 30%, improving overall supply chain reliability
The chemical industry’s automation investment is projected to reach $4.8 billion globally by 2025, driving efficiency gains

Operational Efficiency and Performance Interpretation

While the chemical industry boasts a respectable 4.2 inventory turnover ratio and is increasingly embracing digital tools like cloud solutions and blockchain—drastically cutting costs and verification times—the fact that only 18% utilize predictive analytics highlights a significant opportunity: harnessing smarter data could turn supply chain sluggishness into a rapid, cost-effective chemistry experiment for profitability.

Regional Development and Market Expansion

The growth of regional hubs for chemical manufacturing and distribution is expected to steady at a rate of 3.5% annually through 2026, to optimize supply routes

Regional Development and Market Expansion Interpretation

While a steady 3.5% annual growth in regional chemical hubs signals cautious optimism, it underscores the industry's strategic pivot toward streamlined supply routes amidst a landscape of evolving global supply chains.

Supply Chain and Logistics

The global chemical supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028
Over 60% of chemical companies reported supply chain disruptions in 2022 due to pandemic-related issues
Just 25% of chemical companies have fully integrated supply chain digital solutions
Approximately 33% of chemicals shipped are transported via pipeline, highlighting the importance of pipeline logistics
The average lead time for chemical supply chain orders is approximately 25 days, with significant variation depending on the product and region
The supply chain costs for chemical companies can constitute up to 15% of total production costs
The global chemical logistics market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%
70% of supply chain disruptions in the chemical industry are caused by transportation delays
The chemical industry faces an estimated $20 billion annual loss due to supply chain inefficiencies
The lead time for raw material procurement in the chemical industry can account for up to 30% of total production time
85% of chemical companies have experienced supply chain delays in the past year
Only 15% of chemical companies conduct comprehensive supply chain risk assessments annually
The chemical industry’s carbon footprint related to supply chain logistics is responsible for approximately 12% of total emissions
65% of chemical industry supply chain managers are concerned about geopolitical risks impacting their logistics routes
Approximately 30% of chemical supply chain disruptions are due to supplier shortages or failure
40% of chemical companies report difficulties in managing waste and hazardous materials within their supply chains
Over 45% of chemical companies utilize third-party logistics providers for their distribution needs
Supply chain resilience measures, such as diversified sourcing, are implemented by 55% of chemical firms post-pandemic
The average cost of outbound logistics per ton of chemicals is approximately $150, varying significantly by region and product type
Risk mitigation strategies like safety stock inventory and multiple sourcing are used by over 70% of chemical companies to prevent supply chain disruption
Only 22% of chemical companies have comprehensive contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
The chemical industry’s demand for raw materials is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade, putting additional pressure on supply chains
Chemical industry waste management supply chains are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, driven by stricter regulations
The global chemical industry is aiming to reduce supply chain-related greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030
The chemical industry’s just-in-time inventory practices have increased in frequency by 18% over the last five years to reduce inventory costs and improve responsiveness
Over 35% of chemical companies are actively participating in collaborative supply chain platforms to enhance visibility and efficiency
The average transportation cost per chemical shipment has increased by 10% since 2019, mainly due to fuel prices and driver shortages
Only 12% of chemical companies currently use advanced analytics for transportation route optimization, indicating a significant growth opportunity

Supply Chain and Logistics Interpretation

Despite projected growth of 4.5% CAGR until 2028, the chemical industry's supply chain remains a fragile web woven with pandemic-induced disruptions, limited digital integration, soaring costs, and environmental impacts—highlighting the urgent need for strategic resilience, technological modernization, and sustainability to ensure a safer, more efficient future.

Technological Adoption and Innovation

45% of chemical companies have adopted IoT technologies to monitor supply chain assets
About 40% of chemical production companies plan to increase investment in supply chain automation in the next five years
78% of chemical companies claim that supply chain visibility has improved since implementing advanced tracking technologies
The implementation of digital twins in chemical supply chains is projected to increase by 28% annually through 2026
77% of chemical supply chain managers see digital twin technology as pivotal for future planning
About 20% of chemical companies are experimenting with 3D printing for spare parts and manufacturing, aiming to streamline supply chain processes

Technological Adoption and Innovation Interpretation

With nearly half of chemical companies embracing IoT and a surge in digital twin adoption poised to revolutionize supply chain transparency and planning, it's clear that the industry is weaving a high-tech safety net—while a select few boldly experiment with 3D printing to potentially redefine spare parts logistics.