Why the chemistry industry is prioritizing an America-first trade policy By Stephanie Kempadoo Published April 13, 2026, 12:01 a.m. ET Getty Images Sponsored by: Many don’t realize that building a stronger, more affordable America is directly tied to the growth of US chemical production. National defense, energy independence, modern health care, food production, and most other supply chains depend on chemistry. It’s the driving force that helps strengthen our nation’s position in global markets, and advance technological progress.
Leading this effort is the American Chemistry Council (ACC), a key advocate for American innovation, competitiveness, and success through the business of chemistry. The industry stands as a clear example of driving an America-first agenda, prioritizing reindustrialization, advanced manufacturing, and the capacity to compete on a global scale. It is one of the few industrial sectors with a strong trade surplus, exporting approximately $156 billion in American-made products each year.
The protection of the industry’s competitiveness is essential to the strategy of putting American workers first and bringing manufacturing back to our shores. In fact, the chemistry industry supports 545,000 well-paid direct jobs, with millions more across the manufacturing, transportation, agriculture/farming, high-tech, and energy sectors.
As a model of an America-first trade policy, the chemistry industry imports essential materials not available domestically to produce highly advanced products used here and exported around the world. However, the industry continues to navigate significant pressures related to import competition and broader trade frameworks that influence access to critical raw materials and shape competitive conditions for finished goods.
Targeted trade rules are indispensable to keep goods affordable and supply chains running smoothly. Policies applied across sectors can give rise to unintended outcomes, with implications for the nation’s ability to address unfair trade practices. These distort global markets at a scale that makes it difficult for American facilities to compete, invest and create jobs here at home.
Meanwhile, China, one of the industry’s primary competitors, is rapidly expanding its chemical production capacity and is on track to produce nearly half of the global chemical output by 2030 — even higher in certain chemical value chains. Strategic tools and policies are needed to counter unfair trade practices that disadvantage American manufacturers and undermine our competitiveness against global nations.
Chemistry is the backbone of American agriculture Getty Images Understanding the stakes When chemical production is strong and cost-effective, families can see prices stay lower for everyday items such as appliances, electronics, cars, food, medical products, and so much more. Shortages and supply chain chokeholds for chemical materials can raise costs across the economy, making everyday goods feel more expensive.
Beyond everyday products, chemistry is the backbone of American agriculture. Affordable food starts with affordable chemistry products for farming and production essentials (fertilizers, crop protection, irrigation systems, equipment, etc.). Higher costs directly impact farmers, ranchers, trucking, shipping, and ultimately grocery prices.
America must strengthen chemical supply chains and our energy advantage to keep us competitive in international trade. Chemistry enables technology that produces, stores and saves energy — reducing costs, boosting efficiency, and supporting our energy independence. To remain a global technology leader, our industry has to combat surging energy and production costs, which directly increase prices for consumers.
Keep America a global leader in advanced manufacturing and exports Shutterstock How to strengthen American competitiveness To enhance America’s global competitiveness, the administration can take several steps to level the playing field for the chemistry industry:
When chemistry creates, America competes on a global scale. Learn more here about how the American Chemistry Council is helping prioritize an America-first agenda for one of the most impactful industries in our everyday lives.
