Within the EU27, 29,000 companies are operating in the chemical sector, according to 2020 data (1). Chemicals, encompassing pharmaceuticals, rubber, and plastics, contribute significantly, making up 12.3% (3.4 million people) of total EU27 manufacturing employment (27.7 million people).
The EU27 chemical sector stands out as a leading industry due to its highly educated and trained workforce, complemented by sustained high investments. Over the period from 2008 to 2023, labour productivity in the EU27 chemical industry declined at an average annual rate of 1.0% (CAGR). The drop in EU27 chemical labour productivity started to be very significant since 2021.
In terms of investment, chemicals (including pharmaceuticals, rubber, and plastics) take the lead in EU27 manufacturing, constituting 17.7% of the total investment, with automotive and food following. The petrochemicals sector accounts for more than 25% of the EU27 chemical sector’s overall investment.
(1) the latest complete data available from Eurostat-SBS database
Top 10 sectors account for 70% of total EU27 manufacturing enterprises
Number of enterprises in the EU27 manufacturing industry (2020): top 10
Consumer chemicals has the highest number of chemicals enterprises
Number of enterprises in the EU27 chemicals industry (2020): top 10
Chemicals is the fourth-largest producer in EU27 manufacturing sector
Top 10 sectors: EU27 turnover (� billion, 2018)
Chemicals is the leading sector in terms of added value
Top 10 sectors: EU27 added value (� billion, 2018)
Petrochemicals has the highest added value in EU27 chemicals sector
Added value in the EU27 chemicals industry (2020): top 10
Chemicals contributes 12% of EU27 manufacturing employment
Top 10 sectors: EU27 number of employees (millions of employees 2020)
Consumer chemicals is the largest employer in the EU27 chemicals sector
Number of employees in the EU27 chemicals industry (2020): Top 10
EU27 Labour productivity declines at 1.0%
Labour productivity in the EU27 chemical industry
Chemicals is the largest investor in EU27 manufacturing sector
Top 10 sectors: EU27 investment (� billion, 2018)
Petrochemicals is the largest investor in the EU27 chemicals sector
Capital spending in the EU27 chemicals industry (2020): top 10
