Just like all manufacturing industries, chemical manufacturing companies can be ranked based on their gross annual revenues.
Most of these companies focus on manufacturing a particular category of chemicals, such as specialty chemicals (e.g. industrial gases, adhesives, sealants, and chemical coatings) and consumer chemicals (e.g. soaps, detergents, and cosmetics).
While the companies listed below lead the sector financially, smaller chemical companies like ReAgent play a critical role too, especially in specialist services such as custom formulation, chemical blending, and small-batch production. Let’s take a look…
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The Chemical Manufacturing Industry in 2025
According to a January 2025 report by MarketsandMarkets, the global chemical industry was worth around US$6.182 trillion in 2024. The forecast is for it to reach US$6.324 trillion by 2025 – that’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. This output represents around 7% of global GDP.
China continues to dominate the sector, accounting for 43-44% of global chemical sales, according to the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic).
The European Union and the United States remain significant contributors, driven by demand in pharmaceuticals, energy, semiconductors, and agriculture.
Growth in the industry is supported by strong investment in sustainable technologies, innovation in specialty chemicals, and the ongoing diversification of supply chains.
Key Takeaways
The global chemical sector contributes 7% to global GDP
China is the largest chemical-producing country by revenue
The sector supports key industries such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare
Revenue rankings highlight scale, not necessarily innovation or service quality
Smaller firms like ReAgent excel in flexibility, customer service, and technical support
The Top 10 Biggest Chemical Manufacturing Companies
Source: ChemAnalyst
1. Sinopec
Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation) is one of the largest chemical producers globally. Headquartered in Beijing, the company focuses on petrochemicals, fertilisers, and resins. It plays a major role in refining and downstream operations and posted annual revenues exceeding £295 billion in 2024.
2. BASF
BASF SE is headquartered in Germany and has operations in over 90 countries. Known for its diversified portfolio, including chemicals, plastics, agricultural products, and coatings, BASF reported revenues of €68.9 billion in 2023. It remains a global leader in innovation and R&D.
3. Dow Chemical Company
Dow, headquartered in the United States, produces plastics, performance chemicals, and advanced materials. With a 2023 revenue of US$44.6 billion, Dow operates across sectors such as construction, packaging, and automotive.
4. LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell Industries is a major supplier of polymers, petrochemicals, and fuels. Headquartered in Houston and Rotterdam, the company generated US$41.1 billion in 2023. It is one of the biggest manufacturers of chemicals and plastics, as well as refining, in the world.
5. SABIC
Based in Riyadh, SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) is majority-owned by Saudi Aramco. It manufactures polymers, fertilisers, and industrial chemicals. In 2022, SABIC reported revenue of US$52.9 billion.
6. LG Chem Ltd
South Korea’s LG Chem is a major player in battery materials, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. It posted revenue of KRW 51.9 trillion (£30 billion) in 2022 and continues to expand into electric vehicle battery supply chains.
7. Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams is best known for paints and coatings. Headquartered in the United States, it supplies industrial, commercial, and consumer markets. It generated over US$23 billion in 2023 and has a strong global presence in specialty chemicals.
8. Henkel
Henkel is a German multinational known for adhesives, sealants, and personal care chemicals. It operates in both consumer and industrial sectors. Henkel’s chemical division contributes significantly to its €21.5 billion revenue.
9. INEOS
INEOS is a UK-based multinational that manufactures petrochemicals, solvents, and polymers. Its decentralised structure includes dozens of subsidiaries. INEOS generated revenue of €20.9 billion in 2022 and continues to grow through acquisitions.
10. Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey is a British company focused on sustainable technologies, catalysts, and battery materials. It supports industries including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and green hydrogen. The company reported revenue of £14.9 billion in 2023.
Which Industries Do The Biggest Manufacturers Serve?
The top chemical companies serve a wide range of industries that rely on high-volume and high-performance materials. These include:
- Agrochemicals – fertilisers, pesticides, and crop protection products
- Pharmaceuticals – active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, solvents
- Electronics – semiconductors, etchants, and conductive pastes
- Water treatment – coagulants, disinfectants, pH adjusters
- Energy and oil & gas – drilling fluids, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants
- Automotive – coolants, lubricants, battery chemicals
These examples reflect the essential role of chemical manufacturing in global supply chains, from industrial production to consumer products.
Conclusion
The top 10 chemical manufacturers dominate in terms of revenue and reach. However, success in the chemical industry isn’t only about size. Smaller manufacturers offer greater agility, responsiveness, and the ability to handle specialised requirements. ReAgent, for example, provides bespoke chemical blending services tailored to customer needs. From laboratory chemicals to production-scale blending, smaller firms fill critical gaps that larger companies often overlook.
