The European Union’s (EU) chemical industry achieved a major milestone in 2024, with exports of chemicals and related products to non-EU countries soaring to €560 billion — a record high. This represents a 7% increase from €523 billion in 2023, underscoring the sector’s resilience and continued global demand for European chemical products.
Imports Decline Slightly Amid Export Growth
While exports surged, the value of imports of chemicals into the EU fell by 1%, totaling €322 billion in 2024, down from €326 billion the previous year. This decline highlights a growing trade surplus and reinforces the EU’s strong position as a net exporter of chemical products.
Germany Leads EU Chemical Exporters
Among EU member states, Germany remained the top exporter of chemicals to markets outside the Union, shipping products worth €134 billion in 2024. It was followed by:
*Ireland – €82 billion
*Belgium – €62 billion
*France – €54 billion
Netherlands – €50 billion
Together, these five countries accounted for a significant share of the EU’s total chemical exports, reflecting their strategic roles in global supply chains.
United States Tops Export Destinations
The United States remained the leading destination for EU chemical exports, with shipments valued at €170 billion in 2024. Other major non-EU markets included:
*Switzerland – €64 billion
*United Kingdom – €47 billion
*China – €36 billion
*Japan – €18 billion
This distribution highlights the EU’s strong trade ties with both traditional partners and fast-growing Asian markets.
Germany Also Dominates on the Import Side
On the import front, Germany was again the largest player, bringing in €56 billion worth of chemicals from outside the EU in 2024. It was followed by:
*Belgium – €45 billion
*Netherlands – €43 billion
*Italy – €34 billion
*Slovenia – €29 billion
Despite the slight decline in total imports, these figures reflect the EU’s ongoing reliance on global supply chains to support its vast chemical production base.
Strong Trade Performance Underscores Global Competitiveness
The record-breaking export performance in 2024 demonstrates the robust competitiveness of the EU chemical sector on the global stage. As reported by ec.europa.eu, with rising demand from key markets and a widening trade surplus, the industry continues to play a crucial role in Europe’s industrial economy and its transition toward a more sustainable, innovation-driven future.
