trade

The increase in world chemical production has brought with it an even larger increase in international chemical trade. Chemicals are now manufactured in many production locations around the globe, and prices for chemicals are generally set by global supply and demand. The international trade of chemicals reflects an intensely competitive struggle for markets by the producers in an increasingly global industry.

In 2008, the US accounted for $173.9 billion in exports. Trends in chemicals trade for the US are illustrated in the figure below.

Business of Chemistry Exports, Imports, and Trade Balance

Sources: US Department of Commerce (Domestic Exports), American Chemistry Council analysis

Sources: US Department of Commerce (General Imports), American Chemistry Council analysis

Source: American Chemistry Council analysis