U.S. Chemicals Trade by the Numbers
The shale gas revolution has elevated the U.S. chemicals industry to one of the world’s leading, low-cost suppliers of chemicals. Duty-free trade and access to key export markets are critical to helping our industry capitalize on its competitive advantage and maximize growth.
$153
Billion of total U.S. exports in 2021, accounting for 10.4% of all U.S. goods exports and 8.8% of all global chemicals exports
134K+
Americans employed by chemistry are in export-dependent jobs
50%+
Of all U.S. chemical exports are petrochemicals & derivatives (including plastic resins)
41%
Of all U.S. chemical exports and 58% of all U.S. chemical imports are between companies and their subsidiaries
$200+
Billion in announced U.S. chemical industry investment in American shale gas, much of which is directed toward U.S. export markets
31%
Of U.S. chemical exports come from Texas, the top chemicals exporting state
$24
Billion U.S. industrial chemicals trade surplus in 2021.
2
Largest national markets for U.S. chemical exports in 2021 were Mexico ($26 billion) and Canada ($27 billion)
