US basic chemicals market accounting for 19% of global production

The US basic chemicals market generated turnover of US$184.1 billion in 2012, up by 9% compared to 2006. Basic chemicals are widely used in plastic consumer products such as packaging, clothing, appliances and toys, as well as in construction materials and automotive parts and paints. The basic chemicals industry is however largely cyclical and shaped by economic performance trends.

The chemicals industry is one of the United States' largest manufacturing industries, serving both a sizable domestic market and an expanding global market. It is also one of the top exporting sectors of US manufacturing. Accounting for 19% of global production, the United States is the world's leading chemicals producer and the world's second largest exporter of chemicals.

Strong product identification and quality, access to a highly educated workforce, world class research centres, protection for intellectual property, and a robust regulatory system make the United States a competitive home for chemicals firms across the globe.

Since 2006 the number of companies active in the industry remained almost unchanged, amounting to 1,375 firms at the end of 2012.

Small companies employing fewer than 100 people comprised 74% of players but generated only 11% of local revenue in 2012. Large and medium-sized enterprises meanwhile contributed 77% and 12% shares of local turnover in 2012 respectively.

Among the largest producers of basic chemicals in the US are EI du Pont de Nemours & Co, Ineos Group Ltd, Praxair Inc, Air Products & Chemicals Inc and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.

Improving economic conditions will lead to increased industrial activity over the next six years, and as a result, the turnover of local companies is expected to grow by an average 7% per annum, reaching US$271.8 billion by 2018.

For more information on the US basic chemicals market, see the latest research: US Basic Chemicals Market

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