The 11 Largest Chemical Companies in the World (2026 Edition)
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The largest chemical company in the world is BASF Catalysts, with a revenue of $93.0 billion.
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As of 2026, the global chemical industry has a market size of $5.6 trillion.
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Over 12 million new chemical compounds are produced annually.
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The global chemical industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2030.
The United States has solidified its position as one of the premier producers in the global chemical industry, leveraging advanced technologies and innovative practices to maintain a competitive edge. As of 2023, the U.S. chemical industry was valued at approximately $550 billion, reflecting its resilience and capacity for growth.
Given the complexity and vastness of the chemical sector, it’s essential to recognize the key players driving this industry forward. Below, we explore the largest chemical companies worldwide, all of which significantly contribute to global chemical production and employ thousands of professionals.
Let’s take a closer look at the world’s 11 largest chemical companies as of 2026.
The World’s 11 Largest Chemical Companies
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2021 chemical sales: $93.0 billion
Ludwigshafen, GermanyBASF leads the global market, boasting a diverse portfolio and extensive operational reach with over 390 production sites in 80 countries. The company has continued to expand, including the opening of a cutting-edge chemical complex focused on sustainability in China.
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China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
2021 chemical sales: $65.8 billion
Beijing, ChinaSinopec, established in 2000, has rapidly ascended in the chemical sector, focusing on organic chemicals and synthetic materials. The company has adapted to market fluctuations and continues to innovate, leveraging its substantial domestic market share.
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2021 chemical sales: $55.0 billion
Midland, MIDOW remains a formidable American player in the global chemical landscape, specializing in a variety of products. Despite some fluctuations in demand during the recent years, DOW’s commitment to innovation keeps it at the forefront of the industry.
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Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
2021 chemical sales: $43.2 billion
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaAs a key subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, SABIC excels in petrochemicals and industrial polymers, capitalizing on its strategic advantages in production and technology.
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2021 chemical sales: $43.2 billion
Kaohsiung City, TaiwanFormosa Plastics, a leader in PVC and resin production, is committed to increasing its production capabilities with ongoing expansions in the U.S. and Taiwan.
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2021 chemical sales: $39.9 billion
London, England, UKINEOS has established itself as a major player through strategic mergers, focusing on petrochemicals and specialty compounds while advocating for sustainability.
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PetroChina
2021 chemical sales: $39.7 billion
Beijing, ChinaA key component of China National Petroleum Corporation, PetroChina continues to expand its chemical production capabilities to meet rising demand.
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2021 chemical sales: $40.0 billion
Rotterdam, NetherlandsLyondellBasell specializes in polyolefins and has invested in sustainability initiatives, focusing on recycling technologies to enhance their product offerings.
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LG Chemical
2021 chemical sales: $37.3 billion
Seoul, South KoreaAs a leading South Korean chemical company, LG Chemical focuses on advanced materials and sustainable practices to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
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2021 chemical sales: $36.9 billion
Houston, TXExxonMobil continues to be a key player, leveraging its extensive resources to produce a wide array of chemicals while maintaining a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
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2021 chemical sales: $30.7 billion
Tokyo, JapanMitsubishi Chemical operates a diversified portfolio, continuously seeking expansion opportunities in the chemical sector through strategic acquisitions.
The 7 Largest Chemical Companies in the United States
In addition to DOW and ExxonMobil, the following companies are among the largest chemical producers in the United States:
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2021 chemical sales: $55.0 billion
Midland, MIDow continues to excel in manufacturing and selling a broad range of chemical products across various sectors, including agriculture and electronics.
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2021 chemical sales: $36.9 billion
Houston, TXExxonMobil remains committed to producing high-quality chemical products while adhering to sustainable practices.
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2021 chemical sales: $16.7 billion
Wilmington, DelawareDuPont has evolved through strategic mergers and continues to offer innovative chemical solutions across various sectors.
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2021 chemical sales: $14.1 billion
The Woodlands, TexasChevron Phillips Chemical is focused on producing a diverse array of petrochemical products while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
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2021 chemical sales: $12.4 billion
Tampa, FloridaMosaic is a leader in crop nutrition, actively engaged in sustainable practices from resource extraction to product delivery.
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2021 chemical sales: $10.5 billion
Kingsport, TennesseeEastman Chemical specializes in advanced materials and is focused on innovation to meet evolving market needs.
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2021 chemical sales: $10.3 billion
Allentown, PennsylvaniaAir Products provides gases and materials for a variety of industries, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
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Chemical Industry FAQ
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What is the largest chemical company in the world?
The largest chemical company in the world is BASF Catalysts. With $93 billion in chemical sales, BASF maintains its lead over competitors like Sinopec, who reported over $65 billion in chemical sales.
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What is the largest chemical company in the United States?
The largest chemical company in the U.S. is Dow. In 2021, Dow’s chemical sales totaled $55 billion, making it the top producer in the nation, followed by ExxonMobil at $36.9 billion.
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What are the five types of chemical industry?
The five types of chemical industry are:
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Agricultural chemicals
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Basic chemicals
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Specialty chemicals
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Consumer products
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Pharmaceuticals
This classification helps organize the U.S. Chemical Sector for regulatory and analytical purposes.
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References
Author
Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.
