The chemical industry is a complex of processes, operations, and organizations engaged in the manufacture of chemicals and their derivatives. It is a central part of the modern world economy, converting raw materials into commodity chemicals for industrial and consumer use. The chemical industry comprises companies and other organizations that develop and produce industrial, specialty, and other chemicals. Chemical engineers, chemists, and lab technicians are some of the professionals involved in the chemical industry.

The products manufactured by the chemical industry fall into three categories: basic chemicals, specialty chemicals, and consumer chemicals. Basic chemicals are produced in large quantities and serve as the building blocks for other products. Specialty chemicals are high value-added products that are produced in much lower volumes and are used in a wide variety of products, including fine chemicals, additives, advanced polymers, adhesives, sealants, and specialty paints, pigments, and coatings. Consumer chemicals are produced by formulating basic and specialty chemicals to make end products such as detergents and soaps for the general public.

The chemical industry is responsible for more than a quarter of the U.S. GDP and supports the production of almost all commercial and household goods. It employs nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. alone, while creating jobs in many other industries it touches. The business of chemistry is America’s largest exporting sector, supplying an eighth of the world’s chemical needs.