International trade in chemicals has increased with the increase in world chemical production. The European Union (EU) is the largest importer and exporter of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals. However, the EU chemicals industry is less competitive overall compared to 2003. In 2011, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) market and Japan both registered a decline in their contributions to total trade compared to five years previous. Conversely, China and the rest of Asia increased their contributions.
Chemicals as Part of Total World Exports
2011
Global Trade in Chemicals
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Chemical Shipments by Region
2011
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Chemical Shipments by Sector
2011
Leading Exporters and Importers
2011
Major Trading Partners of the Top Four Chemical Exporters
2011 (US$ millions)
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EU Competitiveness by Country
2011 versus 2010
EU Competitiveness by Sector
2011 versus 2010
[1] International Trade Statistics 2012, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva, Switzerland.
[2] Global Business of Chemistry, American Chemistry Council (ACC), Washington, D.C., USA.
[3] Facts and Figures 2012, European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), Brussels, Belgium.
