Chemicals and plastics are foundational to American manufacturing and exports but are exposed to unfair trade and regulatory practices from other countries. Recent changes in global chemical production and trade provide a unique opportunity to adopt new targeted trade measures that will advantage U.S. chemical as well as other manufacturing and agricultural production, investment, and jobs for years to come. Such measures would align with other Administration objectives in supporting innovative and advanced manufacturing, energy dominance, high-paying jobs, science-based regulations, and lower costs for U.S. producers and consumers.
American Trade Relies on American Chemistry
Why Chemicals?
Our industry’s potential to contribute to this vision will depend on a robust partnership between the chemical industry and the U.S. Administration on:
- The U.S. Chemical Industry is a Model of an “America First” Approach. The U.S. chemical industry is a net exporter and has been one of the largest exporting industries for decades. Prioritizing chemical production demonstrates a positive impact of aligning trade with domestic policy objectives.
- Shifts in Global Chemical Production Make It the Right Time to Focus on Chemicals. Overcapacity and overregulation are shifting global chemical production and trade, bringing new opportunities and challenges for U.S chemical producers. Trade policies addressing these unfair trading practices will advantage U.S. domestic production for years to come.
- A Chemical Sectoral Would Create Common Cause with Trusted Trading Partners. Producers in trusted trading partners are facing similar challenges to U.S. chemical producers.
- Chemicals Benefit All U.S. Manufacturing and Agriculture. Chemical production has multiplier effects throughout the economy. Chemicals represent a large share of both manufacturing and agricultural inputs. With the right trade and domestic policies, chemicals will be much easier to reshore than other advanced manufacturing.
ACC's Top 5 Trade Priorities:
Latest News
ACC and CIQyP Urge U.S.-Argentina Sectoral Initiative on Chemicals
On August 14, 2025, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Camara de la Industria Quimica y Petroquimica (CIQyP) sent a joint letter to U.S. and Argentinian trade leaders calling for a sectoral initiative on chemicals as part of the countries’ economic partnership. The proposal outlines ways to strengthen supply chains, support key industries, and advance pro-growth, science-based trade policies that benefit both nations.
Key points include:
- Building more resilient supply chains for critical sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy, and construction.
- Promoting regulatory simplification, sound science, and pro-business investment environments.
- Encouraging mechanical and advanced recycling initiatives.
- Leveling the playing field against unfair trade practices from other countries.
It is our hope that the USTR will take a careful look at our recommendations and provide a public hearing so that stakeholders can discuss these recommendations with USTR and the Administration.
