Our contribution to EU industry

The chemical sector is an integral part of the industrial sector. It represents 5-7% of the total industry turnover. Chemical companies employ more than 1.2 million direct jobs and 3 to 5 times more indirect jobs, making the chemical sector an important contributor to European social welfare. There are about 31,000 companies operating in the chemical sector in Europe. 97% of those companies are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with a dense network of interlinked companies. European plants are spread across the EU territory. They are vital to local economies, providing jobs and generating significant financial benefits locally. In Europe, the chemical sector is particularly important in Germany (32% of sales of the chemical sector in Europe), France, (15%), Italy (9%), the Netherlands (9%), Spain (8%), and Belgium (6%).

The chemical sector is a leading export sector for Europe. Chemicals contribute significantly to the European manufacturing trade balance, accounting for 47 billion euro of positive trade balance in 2024. It ranked #5th in 2024 in terms of trade surplus, but historically ranked #2nd or 3rd after machinery and transport (aircraft & defence) and pharmaceuticals (strongly linked to chemicals).

Within the chemical segments, polymers and intermediates as well as downstream components, contribute positively to the positive trade balance with exports of specialty materials, personal care ingredients, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceutical intermediates, etc… The upstream segment is a net importer.