UN Comtrade: Global Trade Value of Chemicals & Related Products (Region-Country)
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UN Comtrade: Global Trade Value of Chemicals & Related Products
The UN Comtrade database classifies "Chemicals and related products" under SITC Section 5. This sector is a critical pillar of international commerce, consistently ranking as one of the most valuable traded categories globally. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the sector has shown remarkable growth, particularly driven by the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
Global Trade Performance (2024-2025)
The global chemical sector currently commands a trade value of approximately $2.4 trillion USD. Despite fluctuations in energy costs and raw material prices, the sector remains resilient due to its role in healthcare, agriculture, and high-tech manufacturing.
In 2024, the European Union emerged as a dominant force, reporting a record trade surplus in chemicals of over €238 billion, with medicinal products alone accounting for a significant portion of extra-EU exports.
Global Trade Value by SITC Division
The following table highlights the distribution of trade value across the chemical sector based on UN Comtrade SITC Rev. 4 classifications.
| SITC Code | Division Description | Est. Global Trade Value (USD) | 2024-25 Market Trend |
| 54 | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products | $890 Billion | Growing: Driven by high-value biologics and vaccines. |
| 51 | Organic Chemicals | $465 Billion | Stable: Core feedstock for industrial processes. |
| 57 | Plastics in Primary Forms | $395 Billion | Volatile: Heavily linked to oil/gas price shifts. |
| 59 | Chemical Materials & Products, n.e.s. | $225 Billion | Steady: Includes diagnostic reagents and additives. |
| 55 | Essential Oils; Perfume & Cleaning Prep. | $175 Billion | Growing: Luxury and personal care demand. |
| 52 | Inorganic Chemicals | $140 Billion | Stable: Growth in rare-earth compounds. |
| 56 | Fertilizers | $95 Billion | Cyclical: Highly dependent on global food security. |
| 58 | Plastics in Non-Primary Forms | $90 Billion | Steady: Semi-finished industrial components. |
Leading Trade Partners
According to recent UN Comtrade and Eurostat data, the flow of chemical products is concentrated among a few key global players:
The United States: Remains the largest single partner for both imports and exports of high-end chemicals, particularly for the EU and Asian markets. In 2024, U.S. total chemical exports exceeded $320 billion.
China: The primary global supplier of bulk organic chemicals and primary-form plastics (SITC 57), acting as the "factory floor" for chemical feedstocks.
Germany & Ireland: Ireland remains a unique outlier in UN Comtrade data, often reporting the world's highest per-capita chemical exports due to its massive concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Strategic Insights
Pharmaceutical Dominance: SITC 54 (Medicinal & Pharmaceutical) is no longer just a sub-sector; it now represents nearly 40% of all chemical trade value in developed economies.
Trade Barriers: In 2025, trade dynamics between the US and EU have seen significant shifts, with specific tariff exemptions being negotiated for chemical products to prevent supply chain disruptions.
The Rise of Reagents: SITC 59 (Chemical materials n.e.s.) is seeing rapid growth due to the expansion of laboratory testing and specialized industrial manufacturing.
UN Comtrade: Chemicals & Related Products (SITC 5) Export by Region (2024-2025)
| Exporting Region | Est. Export Value (USD) | Global Share (%) | Primary Commodity Drivers |
| Europe | $1.18 Trillion | 49.2% | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 54) |
| Asia | $745 Billion | 31.0% | Organic Chemicals (SITC 51), Plastics (SITC 57) |
| North America | $335 Billion | 13.9% | Specialized Chemical Materials (SITC 59) |
| Middle East | $108 Billion | 4.5% | Fertilizers (SITC 56), Primary Polymers |
| Latin America | $21 Billion | 0.9% | Inorganic Chemicals (SITC 52) |
| Africa | $12 Billion | 0.5% | Phosphates & Industrial Fertilizers |
UN Comtrade: Top 10 Exporters of Chemicals & Related Products by Country (2024–2025)
| Rank | Country | Est. Export Value (USD) | Leading Product Group (SITC Code) |
| 1 | Germany | $283 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical (54) |
| 2 | United States | $280 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) & Medicinals (54) |
| 3 | China | $278 Billion | Plastics in Primary Forms (57) |
| 4 | Ireland | $120 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical (54) |
| 5 | Switzerland | $115 Billion | High-value Vitamins & Pharmaceuticals (54) |
| 6 | Belgium | $105 Billion | Vaccines & Plastic Polymers (57) |
| 7 | Netherlands | $98 Billion | Petrochemical Derivatives & Organic Chemicals (51) |
| 8 | France | $85 Billion | Perfumes, Cosmetics (55) & Medicinals (54) |
| 9 | Japan | $78 Billion | Electronic-grade Chemicals & Resins (59) |
| 10 | South Korea | $72 Billion | Synthetic Resins & Primary Plastics (57) |
Key Market Observations
The Big Three: Germany, the US, and China operate in a league of their own, each contributing roughly 11–12% of total global chemical exports.
Pharma Hubs: Ireland and Switzerland rank exceptionally high relative to their size due to their specialization in SITC 54 (Medicinal products), which carries a much higher value-per-ton than industrial chemicals.
The Asian Engine: China and South Korea lead the world in the export of SITC 57 (Plastics and Polymers), supplying the raw materials for global consumer goods manufacturing.
Refine: UN Comtrade High-Value Chemical Product Imports by Country (2024–2025)
The following table focuses exclusively on the top high-value commodity group imported by each country within the chemicals sector (SITC Section 5). These figures represent the specific sub-groups (3-digit SITC level) that command the highest market value and strategic priority for these nations.
| Rank | Importing Country | High-Value Commodity Name | SITC Code | Est. Import Value (USD) |
| 1 | United States | Medicaments (incl. Veterinary) | 542 | $215 Billion |
| 2 | China | Organic Chemicals (Primary) | 512 | $78 Billion |
| 3 | Germany | Medicaments (incl. Veterinary) | 542 | $64 Billion |
| 4 | Belgium | Vaccines & Blood Products | 541 | $52 Billion |
| 5 | Netherlands | Hydrocarbons & Derivatives | 511 | $48 Billion |
| 6 | Switzerland | Medicaments (incl. Veterinary) | 542 | $45 Billion |
| 7 | United Kingdom | Medicaments (incl. Veterinary) | 542 | $42 Billion |
| 8 | Japan | Diagnostic or Lab Reagents | 598 | $39 Billion |
| 9 | Italy | Polymerization Products | 575 | $28 Billion |
| 10 | Brazil | Manufactured Fertilizers | 562 | $26 Billion |
Key Takeaways for 2025
Pharmaceutical Dominance: For the majority of developed economies, SITC 542 (Medicaments) is the single most expensive chemical import. The United States alone spends more on imported medicine than the next four countries combined.
The Biotech Hub (Belgium): Belgium is unique in that its highest-value import is SITC 541 (Vaccines/Blood Products), reflecting its role as a global logistics nexus for the life sciences industry.
Industrial Intermediates: China and the Netherlands focus their high-value spending on Organic Chemicals (511/512), which serve as the essential high-purity feedstocks for their massive manufacturing and semiconductor sectors.
Specialized Reagents (Japan): Japan’s high-value focus on SITC 598 highlights its demand for specialized laboratory and electronic-grade chemicals required for its advanced tech industry.
manufacturing depth, which together drive a massive regional trade surplus.
Asia (led by China and South Korea) continues to serve as the world’s primary provider of Plastics and Polymers (SITC 57). While Europe leads in value, Asia leads in volume, though it faces headwinds from 2025 overcapacity and tightening international trade policies.
North America has seen a resurgence in export value, particularly in specialized chemicals and diagnostic reagents, benefiting from high-tech industrial demand and a race by importers to secure supply chains ahead of shifting tariff landscapes.
3. Future Outlook (2025 and Beyond)
As we move through 2025, the chemical sector faces a "mixed" horizon. While UNCTAD projections suggest global trade will exceed $35 trillion for the first time, the chemical industry specifically is navigating a transition from price-driven growth to volume-driven stability. Key challenges include:
Sustainability Requirements: Increasing demand for "Green Chemicals" and biodegradable plastics is beginning to reshape export categories.
Policy Uncertainty: New baseline tariffs and trade fragmentation are prompting major exporters to shift toward near-shoring and friend-shoring to protect their chemical supply chains.
In summary, the chemical sector in 2025 is no longer just about industrial feedstocks; it is a high-stakes arena of medical innovation and strategic material control, where the ability to export high-value specialized products determines a nation's competitive edge.
%20Import%20by%20Region.jpg "UN Comtrade: Chemicals & Related Products (SITC 5) Import by Region")
UN Comtrade: Chemicals & Related Products (SITC 5) Import by Region (2024–2025)
The table below summarizes the global demand for chemicals based on UN Comtrade regional import data. While Europe is the top exporter, it also ranks as a primary importer due to high intra-regional trade and the movement of pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs).
| Importing Region | Est. Import Value (USD) | Global Share (%) | Primary Commodity Demand (SITC) |
| Europe | $1.12 Trillion | 46.7% | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) |
| Asia & Pacific | $738 Billion | 30.8% | Organic Chemicals (51) & Primary Plastics (57) |
| North America | $385 Billion | 16.0% | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) |
| Latin America | $82 Billion | 3.4% | Fertilizers (56) & Organic Chemicals (51) |
| Middle East | $48 Billion | 2.0% | Essential Oils & Perfumes (55) |
| Africa | $26 Billion | 1.1% | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) |
Key Import Insights
The Transatlantic pharma-trade: North America and Europe account for the vast majority of global imports in SITC 54 (Medicinal & Pharma), driven by high demand for patented drugs and specialty vaccines.
Asian Industrial Demand: Asia is the world’s largest importer of Organic Chemicals (51) and Plastics in Primary Forms (57), which are used as raw materials in its massive manufacturing and electronics sectors.
Fertilizer Dependence: Latin America (specifically Brazil) and Africa show a higher relative import share for Fertilizers (56) to support their large-scale agricultural sectors.
UN Comtrade: Global Chemicals & Related Products Import by Country (2024–2025)
| Rank | Country | Est. Import Value (USD) | Primary Commodity Name (SITC Code) | 2024-25 Market Trend |
| 1 | United States | $380 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Expanding (+5%) |
| 2 | China | $231 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | High Demand |
| 3 | Germany | $164 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Stable |
| 4 | Netherlands | $108 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | Strategic Hub |
| 5 | Belgium | $102 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Biotech Focus |
| 6 | Switzerland | $88 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Consistent |
| 7 | United Kingdom | $82 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Steady |
| 8 | Japan | $79 Billion | Chemical Materials & Products, n.e.s. (59) | Stable |
| 9 | Italy | $74 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | Industrial Growth |
| 10 | Brazil | $68 Billion | Fertilizers (56) | High Volatility |
Refine: UN Comtrade Chemicals & Related Products Import by Country (2024–2025)
The table below focuses on the top importers of SITC Section 5 products. Global demand is largely driven by the high-cost healthcare markets in the U.S. and Europe, alongside the industrial manufacturing needs of China.
| Rank | Country | Est. Import Value (USD) | Primary Commodity Name (SITC Code) | 2024-25 Market Trend |
| 1 | United States | $380 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Expanding (+5%) |
| 2 | China | $231 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | High Demand |
| 3 | Germany | $164 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Stable |
| 4 | Netherlands | $108 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | Strategic Hub |
| 5 | Belgium | $102 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Biotech Focus |
| 6 | Switzerland | $88 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Consistent |
| 7 | United Kingdom | $82 Billion | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Products (54) | Steady |
| 8 | Japan | $79 Billion | Chemical Materials & Products, n.e.s. (59) | Stable |
| 9 | Italy | $74 Billion | Organic Chemicals (51) | Industrial Growth |
| 10 | Brazil | $68 Billion | Fertilizers (56) | High Volatility |
Key Import Highlights
The U.S. Trade Deficit: The United States is the world's largest importer of chemicals, primarily due to its massive consumption of high-value pharmaceuticals (SITC 54). It currently carries the sector's largest trade deficit (approx. -$97 Billion).
China's Industrial Appetite: Unlike the West, China's top chemical imports are Organic Chemicals (51) and specialized intermediates needed to fuel its massive electronics and consumer goods manufacturing base.
The European Gateway: The Netherlands and Belgium act as the "Entry Ports" for Europe. A large portion of their imports are immediately re-exported to other EU nations, which is why their import and export values are both exceptionally high.
Agricultural Specialization: Brazil is a unique top-10 importer because its demand is heavily skewed toward Fertilizers (56) to sustain its global leadership in soy and corn production.
Conclusion: The Strategic Landscape of Global Chemical Imports (2024–2025)
The chemical import market in 2025 is no longer just a measure of industrial consumption; it has become a critical barometer for national security, public health, and high-tech sovereignty. Based on UN Comtrade data and recent global trade updates, several defining pillars shape the current landscape.
1. The "Pharma-First" Shift
Global demand is increasingly top-heavy. High-value Medicinal and Pharmaceutical products (SITC 54) are the primary drivers of import value in advanced economies. For the United States, the European Union, and the UK, these products represent over 60% of their total chemical import spending. This "health premium" ensures that even when global industrial production slows, chemical trade values remain high due to the non-discretionary nature of life-saving medicines.
2. Supply Chain "Front-Loading" & Policy Resilience
A standout trend in 2025 has been strategic stockpiling. In anticipation of shifting trade barriers and new baseline tariffs, major importers in North America and Europe engaged in massive "front-loading" of imports during the first half of the year. This proactive procurement of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and specialized polymers aims to shield domestic manufacturing from potential supply chain shocks and cost spikes.
3. Divergent Regional Roles
The global import map is split into two distinct models:
The Consumer/Healthcare Hubs (West): The US and EU are high-value importers, focused on finished products (SITC 54) and specialized laboratory reagents.
The Industrial/Manufacturing Hubs (Asia): China and India remain the world’s primary importers of Organic Chemicals (SITC 51). However, their demand is rapidly evolving from basic feedstocks to the ultra-high-purity chemicals required for next-generation semiconductors and EV battery production.
4. Outlook: Resilience Over Cost
As we move toward 2026, the focus for chemical importers is shifting from finding the lowest cost to ensuring the highest resilience. "Friend-shoring" and the development of regional trade blocs are redefining the flow of chemical goods. The countries that lead the next phase will be those that can secure stable, sustainable supplies of high-performance materials for the green energy and digital revolutions.
