🧪 UN Comtrade Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Revision 5: Chemicals Indicator
The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) is a product classification developed by the United Nations (UN) to facilitate the international comparison of commodity and manufactured goods trade statistics. It is widely used by governments, international organizations, and researchers to analyze global trade patterns.
The SITC is structured in a hierarchical system, moving from broad sections to highly specific sub-items. SITC Section 5 is dedicated to the broad category of "Chemicals and Related Products, N.E.S. (Not Elsewhere Specified)." This section captures the trade of a vast array of chemical goods, including organic and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, plastics in primary forms, and other related products.
For the purpose of tracking the chemicals indicator in trade, the entire Section 5 is typically utilized, often at the one-digit level (Section 5) or the two-digit level (Divisions 51 through 59), depending on the desired level of detail. The most recent revision widely referenced is SITC Revision 4, though some data may still be based on earlier revisions like Revision 3 or even the original. When analyzing UN Comtrade data, the specific revision used for the data set is crucial for accurate comparison.
SITC Revision 3 Structure for Chemicals (Section 5)
While SITC Revision 5 is the most current, comprehensive, publicly available details often relate to Revision 3 (Rev. 3) or Revision 4, as these are frequently used in historical datasets. The following table illustrates the hierarchical breakdown of Section 5 as defined in SITC Revision 3, which provides a detailed look at the component product groups that constitute the "Chemicals Indicator."
| SITC Rev. 3 Code | Level | Description |
| 5 | Section | CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S. |
| 51 | Division | Organic chemicals |
| 52 | Division | Inorganic chemicals |
| 53 | Division | Dyeing, tanning and colouring materials |
| 54 | Division | Medicinal and pharmaceutical products |
| 55 | Division | Essential oils and resinoids and perfume materials; toilet, polishing and cleansing preparations |
| 56 | Division | Fertilizers (other than those of Group 272) |
| 57 | Division | Plastics in primary forms |
| 58 | Division | Plastics in non-primary forms |
| 59 | Division | Chemical materials and products, n.e.s. |
Importance of the Chemicals Indicator
Tracking trade in SITC Section 5 products is vital for several reasons:
Economic Analysis: The chemical industry is a fundamental part of the global manufacturing sector. Its trade performance is a key indicator of industrial health and technological development.
Intermediate Goods: Many chemicals (like plastics in primary forms, organic and inorganic chemicals) are intermediate goods—inputs essential for the production of a vast array of final products, from automobiles and electronics to textiles and construction materials. Fluctuations in their trade can signal shifts in global supply chains and manufacturing output.
Pharmaceutical Trade: Division 54 (Medicinal and pharmaceutical products) is a critical component for monitoring global health supply chains, especially for life-saving medicines and vaccines.
✨ SITC Section 5 and the Global Chemicals Indicator
The UN Comtrade Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Section 5, "Chemicals and Related Products, N.E.S.," serves as the essential international benchmark for tracking global trade in the chemical sector.
Key Takeaways
Standardization: The SITC (particularly Revisions 3 and 4 which are widely used) provides a crucial, internationally comparable framework for analyzing the export and import of products like organic and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fertilizers.
Economic Significance: As chemicals are primarily intermediate goods (inputs for nearly all other industries, from automobiles to electronics), the performance of Section 5 is a vital leading indicator of overall global manufacturing health and industrial production trends.
Analytical Depth: The hierarchical breakdown (Divisions 51 through 59) allows analysts to move beyond the aggregate "chemicals" data to study specific, high-value components, such as medicinal and pharmaceutical products (54) or the key raw materials like plastics in primary forms (57).
In summary, monitoring the trade flow of SITC Section 5 is indispensable for governments, international bodies, and businesses to gauge competitive strengths, understand supply chain dynamics, and formulate effective trade policy in one of the world's most fundamental and strategically important industrial sectors.
.jpg "Leading Global Exporters of Chemicals (SITC 5)")
🧪 Leading Global Exporters of Chemical's (SITC 5)
The chemical sector is a foundational industry in the global economy, supplying materials for nearly all manufactured goods. Trade data for this sector is often tracked using the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), where Section 5 is designated for Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified (n.e.s.). This includes a broad range of products, from basic organic and inorganic chemicals to medicinal and pharmaceutical goods, plastics, and essential oils.
The European Union (EU) collectively stands out as the largest global exporter of chemical products, often recording a significant trade surplus in this category. However, when looking at individual countries, the landscape is dominated by major industrial powers and countries specializing in high-value products like pharmaceuticals.
Top Global Chemical Exporters by Value (SITC 5)
Based on recent international trade data, the following table illustrates the leading exporting countries/regions for products classified under SITC 5 (Chemicals and related products).
| Rank | Country/Region | Export Value (Billion USD) | Share of Global Exports | Key Sub-Sectors (Examples) | Data Year |
| 1 | China | ~$141.3 | ~18.4% | Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Plastics, Fertilizers | 2022 |
| 2 | European Union (EU27) | ~$560.0 (Total) | N/A | Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals, Polymers | 2024 |
| 3 | United States | ~$67.9 | ~8.8% | Organic Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals | 2022 |
| 4 | Germany | ~$49.5 | ~6.4% | Pharmaceuticals, Organic Chemicals, Specialty Chemicals | 2022 |
| 5 | Ireland | ~$48.5 | ~6.3% | Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products | 2022 |
| 6 | Korea (South) | ~$40.4 | ~5.2% | Organic Chemicals, Plastics in primary forms | 2022 |
| 7 | Belgium | ~$38.0 | ~4.9% | Pharmaceuticals, Organic Chemicals | 2022 |
| 8 | Switzerland | ~$31.8 | ~4.1% | Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals | 2022 |
Note: The EU figure represents the total extra-EU exports and is not directly comparable to the figures for individual countries. The individual country data often reflects the global ranking among single economies.
Understanding SITC 5 (Chemicals)
The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) is a system used by the United Nations to classify goods for international trade statistics. SITC Section 5 encompasses a vast range of products that are integral to global supply chains.
The primary groups within SITC 5 include:
51: Organic Chemicals: Essential building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.
52: Inorganic Chemicals: Basic chemicals like elements, oxides, and salts.
53: Dyeing, Tanning and Colouring Materials: Pigments, paints, varnishes, and synthetic dyes.
54: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products: A high-value sector including medicaments and other pharmaceutical preparations.
55: Essential oils, Perfume Materials, and Cleaning Preparations: Items like perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and polishing preparations.
56: Fertilizers (Excl. those of Group 272): Chemical fertilizers vital for agriculture.
57/58: Plastics: Polymers in primary and non-primary forms.
59: Miscellaneous Chemical Materials and Products, n.e.s.: A residual category including insecticides, explosives, and other chemical preparations.
Global Trends and Market Dynamics
The global chemical trade is characterized by several key trends:
Rise of Asia: Countries like China and South Korea have significantly increased their share of global chemical exports, fueled by massive production capacity in basic and intermediate chemicals, including plastics and organic compounds.
High-Value Specialization: European nations, notably Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland, often specialize in high-margin products, particularly Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54). Ireland's high ranking is heavily influenced by its position as a major hub for pharmaceutical exports.
Petrochemical Influence: The United States maintains a strong position, largely driven by its domestic availability of raw materials (like natural gas and oil) that feed the petrochemical and organic chemical sectors.
The leading countries are constantly competing on technology, innovation in specialty chemicals, and optimizing their supply chains to maintain their position in this vital and dynamic global market.
.jpg "Leading Global Importers of Chemicals (SITC 5)")
🌎 Leading Global Importers of Chemicals (SITC 5)
Chemicals and related products, classified under SITC Section 5, represent a major segment of global trade, essential for manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare worldwide. The demand for these products is driven by large industrial economies, robust manufacturing bases, and significant pharmaceutical consumption.
The leading countries by import value for SITC 5 are generally the world's largest consumer markets and industrial processing hubs. The United States consistently ranks as the world's largest importer of chemical products, reflecting its massive demand across its economy, followed by key manufacturing and trading nations in Europe and Asia.
Top Global Chemical Importers by Value (SITC 5)
Based on recent international trade data (largely covering 2023), the following table shows the leading importing countries for products classified under SITC 5 (Chemicals and related products).
| Rank | Country/Region | Import Value (Billion USD) | Share of Global Imports | Primary Imported Sub-Sectors (Examples) | Data Year |
| 1 | United States | $\sim \$316$ - $\sim \$380$ | $\sim 13.6\%$ | Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Products, Organic Chemicals | 2023 |
| 2 | European Union (EU27) | $\sim \$350$ (Extra-EU) | N/A | Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Products, Organic Chemicals | 2024 |
| 3 | Germany | $\sim \$163$ - $\sim \$172$ | $\sim 7.2\%$ | Pharmaceuticals, Organic Chemicals | 2023 |
| 4 | China | $\sim \$161$ - $\sim \$165$ | $\sim 6.7\%$ | Organic Chemicals (for production), Polymers | 2023 |
| 5 | Belgium | $\sim \$104$ | $\sim 4.4\%$ | Pharmaceuticals (for re-export/distribution) | 2023 |
| 6 | Netherlands | $\sim \$92.6$ | $\sim 3.9\%$ | Organic Chemicals, Petrochemicals (for re-export/transit) | 2023 |
| 7 | France | $\sim \$86.5$ | $\sim 3.6\%$ | Pharmaceuticals, Organic Chemicals | 2023 |
| 8 | Japan | $\sim \$80.1$ | $\sim 3.4\%$ | Pharmaceuticals, Organic Chemicals | 2023 |
Note: The United States has the highest import value among individual countries. The EU figure is for extra-EU imports only (trade with non-EU countries) and is included for regional context. Individual country values may vary slightly depending on the exact classification and source used (e.g., SITC vs. HS).
Key Market Dynamics for Chemical Imports
The pattern of chemical imports reflects several core aspects of the global economy:
Demand for High-Value Goods (SITC 54): Countries with large or aging populations and advanced healthcare systems, such as the United States and many European nations (Germany, France), are major importers of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54).
Manufacturing & Processing Hubs: Nations with large, integrated manufacturing sectors, like China and Germany, require massive volumes of imported Organic Chemicals (SITC 51) and other chemical inputs for downstream production of plastics, textiles, and electronics.
Trade and Logistics Gateways: Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium often rank high due to their central location and large ports (Rotterdam, Antwerp). They function as crucial logistics and distribution hubs, importing large quantities of chemicals that are then re-exported or distributed across Europe. This transit trade inflates their gross import figures.
Trade Deficit: The United States is consistently the largest importer of chemicals, which typically results in a substantial trade deficit in the sector, as its production cannot meet its immense domestic demand for everything from basic plastics to specialty pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion on the Highest Chemical Importers (SITC 5) 🌍
The analysis of global chemical imports under SITC Section 5 reveals that the demand side of the trade is dominated by advanced, industrialized economies with massive consumer and manufacturing bases.
The core conclusion is that the United States is, by a significant margin, the world's largest single-country importer of chemicals ($\sim \$316$ Billion USD), reflecting an unparalleled need for foreign chemical inputs across virtually every sector of its economy.
Key Takeaways from the Import Data
🇺🇸 Demand Dominance: The United States' leading position highlights a substantial trade deficit in the chemical sector. It relies heavily on international supply to meet the colossal domestic demand for goods classified under SITC 5, particularly Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products and specialized Organic Chemicals.
🇩🇪 & 🇨🇳 Industrial Engines: Germany and China rank highly due to their status as global manufacturing and processing hubs. Their large import volumes are necessary to feed their massive downstream industries (e.g., automotive, electronics, textiles), requiring high-purity chemical intermediates and polymers.
🇳🇱 & 🇧🇪 Logistics Hubs: The high rankings of the Netherlands and Belgium are driven by geography and infrastructure. Their major ports (Rotterdam and Antwerp) act as crucial distribution gateways for chemicals entering the European market. A significant portion of their reported imports is quickly re-exported to other EU member states.
Pharmaceutical Driver: A common thread among the top importers (especially the U.S., Germany, and Japan) is the massive import of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54). This reflects the globalized nature of drug manufacturing and the high domestic healthcare expenditures in these developed nations.
In essence, the leading chemical importers are not just consuming; they are processing, distributing, and consuming the core inputs required to maintain the functionality of the world's most advanced economies and largest consumer markets.
.jpg "UN Comtrade Regional Consumption Landscape of Chemicals (SITC 5)")
🌎 Regional Consumption Landscape of Chemicals (SITC 5)
The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Revision 3 system, developed by the United Nations, is a standardized way to classify goods for international trade statistics. SITC Section 5 specifically covers Chemicals and Related Products, Not Elsewhere Specified (N.E.S.). This section is broad, encompassing everything from basic organic and inorganic chemicals to pharmaceuticals, plastics in primary forms, and fertilizers.
Analyzing the regional consumption landscape for SITC 5 involves looking at import data, which serves as a proxy for a region's total consumption (Production + Imports - Exports). While specific consumption data by region is dynamic and requires real-time UN Comtrade analysis, we can identify the major players and key consumption segments based on general trade trends.
Major Components of SITC 5
The diverse nature of SITC 5 means regional consumption patterns vary widely based on local industrial needs, agricultural output, and healthcare demand. The main groups are:
51: Organic Chemicals: The building blocks for many downstream products, heavily consumed by manufacturing hubs.
52: Inorganic Chemicals: Used in various industries like construction, metallurgy, and water treatment.
54: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products: Driven by population, aging demographics, and healthcare infrastructure.
56: Fertilizers (Excl. Group 272): Consumption is directly linked to the scale of a region's agricultural sector.
57/58: Plastics in Primary and Non-Primary Forms: Essential inputs for packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods manufacturing.
🗺️ Regional Consumption Trends and Drivers
Regional consumption of SITC 5 chemicals is strongly correlated with a region's economic development, industrial output, and population size.
Asia (e.g., China, ASEAN): This region is characterized by immense consumption driven by its status as a global manufacturing hub. Consumption is particularly high in Organic Chemicals (51) and Plastics (57/58) due to their use as raw materials for finished goods (electronics, textiles, automotive parts). Rapidly growing populations and improving living standards also boost demand for Pharmaceuticals (54).
Europe (e.g., EU): The EU is a major net exporter of high-value chemicals, particularly Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products (54). However, it remains a significant consumer of all SITC 5 categories. Consumption is balanced between high-end manufacturing (e.g., specialized plastics, advanced materials) and strong healthcare and agricultural sectors.
North America (e.g., US): Similar to Europe, North America is a major consumer, with strong domestic demand across all sectors. Consumption of Organic Chemicals and Plastics is significant due to a large domestic manufacturing base, while the high cost and complexity of the healthcare market drive substantial consumption of Pharmaceuticals.
Developing Regions (e.g., Latin America, Africa): Consumption is often focused on meeting basic needs and supporting foundational industries. This includes substantial demand for Fertilizers (56) to enhance agricultural yields and a rising need for affordable Pharmaceuticals (54) to address public health challenges. Industrial consumption of basic Organic and Inorganic Chemicals is also growing in line with industrialization.
📊 Illustrative Regional Consumption Landscape for SITC 5
The table below provides a generalized, illustrative overview of the primary consumption drivers for selected SITC 5 categories across major world regions. Note that these are generalized patterns based on global trade flows and economic structure, not definitive trade values.
| Region | Primary Economic Focus | Key SITC 5 Consumption Segments | Primary Consumption Drivers |
| Asia (East & Southeast) | Manufacturing, Infrastructure | 51 (Organic Chemicals), 57/58 (Plastics), 54 (Pharmaceuticals) | Global supply chain input, rapid industrialization, large population, infrastructure growth. |
| Europe (EU) | High-Value Manufacturing, Healthcare | 54 (Pharmaceuticals), 51 (Organic Chemicals), Specialized 57/58 (Plastics) | Advanced healthcare systems, R&D-intensive industries, complex manufacturing. |
| North America | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | 54 (Pharmaceuticals), 51 (Organic Chemicals), 57/58 (Plastics) | High domestic consumption, advanced pharmaceutical market, diverse industrial base. |
| Latin America | Agriculture, Basic Manufacturing | 56 (Fertilizers), 51 (Organic Chemicals), 57/58 (Plastics) | Large-scale agricultural production, growing consumer goods demand, industrial growth. |
| Africa | Agriculture, Resource Processing | 56 (Fertilizers), 54 (Pharmaceuticals), 52 (Inorganic Chemicals) | Food security and crop yield enhancement, public health initiatives, foundational chemical processing. |
Conclusion
The regional consumption landscape for SITC 5 chemicals is highly heterogeneous, acting as a direct mirror of a region's economic specialisation. Regions dominated by high-tech manufacturing and robust healthcare, like Europe and North America, see higher consumption of advanced Pharmaceuticals and specialized Organic Chemicals. In contrast, regions focused on mass manufacturing, such as Asia, exhibit massive demand for primary and intermediate products like Plastics and Organic Chemicals. Understanding this landscape is crucial for global chemical producers, as shifts in regional economic activity immediately impact the global demand for these essential trade commodities.
%20in%20the%20Global%20Supply%20Chain.jpg "UN Comtrade Chemicals and Related Products (SITC 5) in the Global Supply Chain")
🧪 Chemicals and Related Products (SITC 5) in the Global Supply Chain
The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), particularly SITC Section 5: Chemicals and Related Products, Not Elsewhere Specified, is a crucial category for understanding the global trade and supply chain of the chemical industry. This classification, used by the UN Comtrade database, allows for the analysis of trade patterns, sectoral performance, and the structure of global value chains for a wide array of chemical goods.
Chemicals are fundamental intermediate goods, meaning they are essential inputs for nearly every other manufacturing sector, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, and electronics. This makes the chemical supply chain highly complex, globally interconnected, and vital to the overall stability of the world economy.
🗺️ Key Segments of the SITC 5 Supply Chain
SITC Rev. 4 (the currently active version for most data analysis, as Rev. 5 is forthcoming) subdivides the broad "Chemicals and Related Products" into major groups. The strength of a chemical supply chain segment is often determined by the volume and value of trade and its criticality as an input to major downstream industries.
The most significant and high-value chemical supply chain segments generally fall under these SITC 5 groups:
54: Medical and Pharmaceutical Products: This is consistently one of the largest and fastest-growing segments, driven by global healthcare demand. Supply chains are highly regulated and often involve trade between high-income economies (e.g., Europe, US, Switzerland) as both major exporters and importers.
51: Organic Chemicals: These are the building blocks of modern industry, including monomers, plastics precursors, and specialty chemicals. Trade volume is immense, with major flows often originating from regions rich in oil and gas (feedstocks) and moving to manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe.
52: Inorganic Chemicals: Includes essential industrial chemicals like acids, alkalis, and industrial gases. While lower in value per unit than pharmaceuticals, they represent high-volume, continuous-flow supply chains critical for basic manufacturing and agriculture.
📈 Major Players in the Chemical Supply Chain
Trade data, such as that collected by the EU's Eurostat for SITC 5 (Chemicals and related products, n.e.s), clearly identifies the most powerful nodes in the global chemical supply chain. The European Union (EU), the United States (US), and China are the dominant forces, acting as major global manufacturers, exporters, and importers. The table below highlights the strongest inter-regional supply chains based on recent trade flows (e.g., Extra-EU trade).
| Trading Partner | Dominant Flow (2023/2024 Estimates) | Primary SITC 5 Products Traded | Significance in Supply Chain |
| EU - United States | Very strong two-way trade (EU with a surplus) | Medical and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54), Organic Chemicals (SITC 51) | A bedrock of the high-value chemical trade, crucial for global pharmaceutical production. |
| EU - Switzerland | Very strong two-way trade (EU with a surplus) | Medical and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54) | Switzerland acts as a major hub for high-value pharmaceuticals, often as a manufacturing or distribution center. |
| EU - China | Strong two-way trade (EU with a surplus in exports, large volume of imports) | Organic Chemicals (SITC 51), Chemical Materials and Products (SITC 59) | China is a vital manufacturing base, both consuming EU exports of high-value/specialty chemicals and exporting intermediate and final chemical products. |
| United States - China | Very large two-way trade | Organic Chemicals (SITC 51), Plastics in Primary Forms (SITC 57) | Major global axis for raw materials, intermediate plastics, and industrial chemical components. |
Note: The trade data is highly influenced by Medical and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54). In recent years, these products have often accounted for the largest share of chemical imports and exports between major partners like the EU, US, and Switzerland, highlighting their critical role in the contemporary chemical supply chain.
⚠️ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
The high complexity and interconnectedness of the chemicals supply chain create several vulnerabilities:
Feedstock Volatility: The production of many organic chemicals (SITC 51) relies on crude oil and natural gas derivatives. Price fluctuations or supply disruptions in the energy sector directly impact chemical manufacturing costs globally.
Geographic Concentration: Critical intermediates or final active ingredients for pharmaceuticals are often concentrated in a few key manufacturing regions, posing a risk during geopolitical events or large-scale factory shutdowns.
Logistics and Storage: Many chemicals are hazardous or require specialized transport (e.g., refrigerated, pressurized), making their supply chains particularly sensitive to disruptions in global shipping and port operations.
Understanding the SITC 5 category through the lens of these dominant trading relationships and critical product groups allows for a clearer picture of the world's most robust and vulnerable chemical supply chains.
💊 UN Comtrade SITC Section 5: Highest Value Chemical Product Sector
The highest contributing sector by trade value within the UN Comtrade SITC Section 5 (Chemicals and related products, N.E.S.) is consistently the Medicinal and pharmaceutical products division (SITC 54).
Globally, trade in Chemical Products (SITC 5/HS Section 6 equivalent) was approximately $2.29 Trillion in 2023. The pharmaceutical sector's high unit value and essential global demand drive its dominance within this category.
Global Trade Contribution within Chemicals (SITC Section 5)
While UN Comtrade data is typically reported by individual countries, aggregating recent figures (e.g., 2023) from major trading blocs and global trade observatories clearly demonstrates the value leadership of pharmaceuticals.
The following table provides an estimated global breakdown of the top three SITC Divisions by trade value contribution within the Chemical Products section.
| SITC Rev. Code (2-Digit) | Division Title | Estimated Global Trade Value (2023) | Estimated Percentage of Total SITC 5 Trade | Key Drivers |
| 54 | Medicinal and pharmaceutical products | $750 Billion - $850 Billion | ~33% - 37% | High value-added patents, specialized medicaments, vaccines, and advanced therapies. |
| 51 | Organic chemicals | $450 Billion - $550 Billion | ~20% - 24% | Trade in basic hydrocarbons, primary plastics feedstock, and intermediate chemical building blocks. |
| 57 & 58 | Plastics in primary/non-primary forms | $350 Billion - $400 Billion | ~15% - 17% | Bulk polymers (polyethylene, PVC, etc.) and semi-manufactured articles (sheets, film, pipes). |
| All Other SITC 5 Divisions | (52, 53, 55, 56, 59) | Remainder | ~22% - 32% | Dyes, Inorganic chemicals, fertilizers, cosmetics, etc. |
| SITC Section 5 Total | Chemicals and Related Products | ~ $2.29 Trillion | 100% |
Note: The global trade figures for SITC are often derived from the Harmonized System (HS) codes, where the equivalent category (HS Section 6) reached a total trade value of approximately $2.29 Trillion in 2023. Division 54 (Medicinal and pharmaceutical products) corresponds to the most traded HS 4-digit product groups like Packaged Medicaments and Vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins and cultures, which collectively exceed $800 Billion in global trade.
Key Example: European Union (EU) Trade in Chemicals
The European Union is a major global player in chemical trade. Its trade statistics provide a clear illustration of Division 54's dominance:
In 2023, the EU's total trade (exports + imports) of Chemicals and Related Products (SITC 5) was approximately €848 Billion.
Within this total, Medicinal and pharmaceutical products (SITC 54) was the largest group for both exports and imports.
For EU exports, SITC 54 often accounts for over 40% of the total value of Section 5.
In trade with key partners like the United States and Switzerland, the share of SITC 54 often exceeds 60% to 70% of the bilateral chemical trade.
This regional data reinforces the conclusion that Medicinal and pharmaceutical products (SITC 54) is the single highest value contributor within the UN Comtrade chemical sector.
%20Revision%205:%20Data%20Source%20for%20Chemicals%20Indicators.jpg "UN Comtrade Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Revision 5: Data Source for Chemicals Indicators")
🧪 UN Comtrade Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Revision 5: Data Source for Chemicals Indicators
The global standard for detailed merchandise trade statistics, including data for a Chemicals Indicator, is the UN Comtrade database. This database, maintained by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), utilizes the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) to categorize products for analytical and comparative purposes.
Note on Revision 5: While the prompt specifies SITC Revision 5 (Rev. 5), it is crucial to understand that Rev. 5 has not yet been implemented in the UN Comtrade system. The most current and widely utilized revision for published trade analysis is SITC Revision 4 (Rev. 4). In all major revisions, the entire chemicals sector is consistently identified by the one-digit code $\mathbf{5}$.
🌐 Data Source and Organizational Details
| Component | Source/Organization | Role/Description |
| Data Platform | UN Comtrade Database (comtrade.un.org) | The primary online repository for detailed global trade statistics, aggregating data from national statistical authorities. |
| Data Compiler | United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), part of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) | Responsible for collecting, standardizing, and publishing the data, including the conversion of national customs data (HS codes) into the SITC structure. |
| Classification System | Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) | The product classification used to group commodities into categories suitable for economic analysis, with Section 5 dedicated to Chemicals. |
| Data Measurement | Value: Current US Dollars (USD). Quantity: Net weight (kg) or supplementary units. | All trade values are standardized to USD for international comparability. |
| Underlying System | Harmonized System (HS) Codes | The foundation of most national trade reporting. UN Comtrade converts this highly detailed data into the SITC's broader, analytically focused codes. |
💡 Conclusion: Collecting the Chemicals Indicator
To collect data for a Chemicals Indicator from UN Comtrade, the essential steps are to:
Access UN Comtrade: Utilize the database for your data collection.
Select SITC Rev. 4: Choose the latest implemented SITC revision (Rev. 4) for the most current data.
Apply Code Filter: Use the 1-digit code $\mathbf{5}$ ("Chemicals and related products, n.e.s.") as the commodity filter. This single code captures all major chemical Divisions, including organic, inorganic, pharmaceuticals, plastics in primary forms, and miscellaneous chemical products, providing the most comprehensive measure of the overall chemicals trade sector.
Select Trade Flow: Specify whether you are measuring Imports (M), Exports (X), or Total Trade (M+X) for the selected countries and time period.
By focusing on SITC Code 5 within the UN Comtrade Database, you can extract the standardized, globally comparable trade values necessary to construct a robust Chemicals Indicator.