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4 MIN. READ
The US chemical industry continues to play a crucial role in meeting the high demand for raw materials across multiple sectors. In 2025, the industry remains a dynamic force, showcasing resilience and innovation amidst market shifts. Key trends include a strong commitment to sustainability, with investments in renewable energy and green chemistry, as well as the adoption of digitalization and automation to enhance productivity and customer experience.
In this article, we'll take a look at some exclusive facts and trends on the U.S. chemical industry gathered firsthand by MNI and explore the subsectors that make up this dynamic sector.
According to data verified firsthand by MNI, compiler of the indusrtial information that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. chemical industry encompasses 14,086 companies that provide 939,295 jobs- a 1.8% increase over 2024. Of these companies, 2% are women-owned. Imports of raw materials are 24% compared to 11% for all of U.S. manufacturers. Still, the chemical industry is looking at good news since international distribution is 46% compared to 29% for all manufacturers. Public ownership is higher in the chemical industry, at 19% compared to 5% of total industrial public ownership. The U.S. chemicals sector is among the largest manufacturing industries, with reported annual average sales of $1.7 trillion.
Many chemical companies, 34% of the total number, find homes in the South. The Midwest hosts 29%. However, you can still find plenty of business in the Northeast, where 19% are located, or in the West, which houses 18%.
Numerous subindustries in the US chemical sector have an array of needs you can serve with products or services.
Reach 14,000+ chemical industry companies and their 37,000+ executives with the Chemicals & Allied Products Industrial Database, exclusively from MNI.
1. Agricultural chemicals
The agricultural chemical market includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and soil fertility boosters such as fertilizers. The United States Department of Agriculture is investing $29 million to increase the latter's production, making it a promising business target.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Agricultural Chemicals
This subindustry covers a massive number of chemicals. They include:
● Non-metallic oxides.
● Inorganic acids.
● Inorganic salts.
● Bases.
● Elements.
The products have many applications, such as:
● Scrubbers
● Concentrators.
● Diluters.
● Heat exchangers.
These companies require a wide range of equipment, software and materials.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Inorganic Chemicals
3. Organic Chemicals
While the average consumer may think of the word "organic" as meaning something natural or even healthy, in the chemical industry, it merely refers to most substances containing carbon. Many industries use them, including:
● Food and beverages.
● Pharmaceuticals.
● Water treatment.
● Automotive.
As the automotive industry speeds up, this subindustry may hop aboard for the ride.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Industrial Organic Chemicals
4. Cleaning Chemicals
This is an excellent place to start if you are looking for a subindustry with high growth potential. By 2028 the market is projected to increase from this year's $55.3 billion to $67.0 billion. Products include:
● Solvents.
● Surfactants.
● Chelating agents.
● Enzymes.
● pH regulators.
They find use in healthcare, manufacturing, retail sales and food. The North American market expects to see the most significant growth.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Cleaning Chemicals
5. Adhesives and Sealants
Adhesives and sealants have many applications in industries, including:
● Healthcare.
● Automotive.
● Packaging.
● Aerospace.
They are manufactured by major corporations such as 3M, Dow and Click Bond, and smaller companies. Manufacturing concentrates in Minnesota, but there are companies all over the country.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Adhesives and Sealants
6. Industrial Gases
Gases are another huge category encompassing many chemicals used for various purposes. Most commonly, they are utilized in manufacturing cutting and welding applications. Cutting devices include carbon dioxide lasers. Gases may range from harmless to deadly, fuel fires or snuff them out, save lives or exterminate pests. In the wide world of gases, you can find customers for almost anything you sell.
Read More: Top 10 Manufacturers of Industrial Gases
7. Pharmaceutical Preparations
The pharmaceutical industry is the largest subsector of the US chemical industry,employing about a quarter of the sector's workforce. In 2025, it provides jobs for approximately 220,769 workers. The sector is thriving in 2025 with advancements in AI-driven drug discovery and personalized medicine. Emphasizing sustainability and innovative therapies, it continues to drive growth and improve patient outcomes. Other trends pertaining to procurement are stricter regulation and increased genetic and genomic testing. Both will require extensive record-keeping and the software and hardware to accomplish it. Testing will also require equipment and supplies. You may find a wide open door if you offer products or services related to either trend.
8. Inorganic Pigments
From 2022 to 2023, this subindustry showed healthy global growth from $22.84 billion to $25.12 billion. The war between Russia and Ukraine caused some disruptions, but it is still expected to keep growing at more than 9%. Lead oxide and cobalt blue are the two main components of the market. They are used in paints and coatings, although lead oxide is excluded from lead-free varieties. If you deal in items such as containers used by coatings manufacturers, the growth of this segment is a good omen.
9. Fertilizers
While some fertilizers can be considered agricultural chemicals, they have a market all their own. The cost of fertilizers experienced a temporary surge due to conditions in Russia and Ukraine, but the rise subsided. The price is now down 3% from 2022. Still, farmers can spend 24% of the cost of raising corn on fertilizer. The market is not going away, and fertilizer producers will still need materials and services.
10. Explosives
North America is an excellent place to work with this subindustry, as it is a leading market. The growth is supported by:
● Coal mining.
● Metal mining.
● Quarrying.
● Nonmetal.
● Construction.
Mining is driving much of the demand for explosives. The explosives market is expected to grow by 5.2% between 2023 and 2028. Producers are unlikely to slam the door in your face if you offer what they need.
11. Alkalies and Chlorine
Alkalies and chlorine include caustic soda, chlorine and soda ash. They are used for water treatment and to manufacture chemicals and pharmaceuticals. From 2022 to 2023, the global market grew at a good clip from $74.34 billion to $80.35 billion. This market, too, experienced a slowdown due to the war but is still expected to grow to $103.13 billion by 2027. In 2022, North America was the second-largest region in the market. Producers should be open to offers of appropriate goods and services.
While this industry offers numerous opportunities, you still need to reach prospects with the decision-making authority to close a deal. Powered by data verified firsthand by MNI, IndustrySelect offers up-to-date information on company locations, executive positions, names and executive emails. Try a free demo today and discover the pick you need to reach the gold.
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