The chemical industry is one of the United States’ largest manufacturing industries, serving both a sizable domestic market and an expanding global market. It is also one of the top exporting sectors of U.S. manufacturing. Accounting for almost 15 percent of global chemical shipments, the United States is a world leader in chemical production and exports.
The industry’s more-than 10,000 firms produce 70,000+ products. In 2016, the U.S. chemical industry had final sales exceeding $800 billion and directly employed more than 811,000 workers, with additional indirect employment by industry suppliers of more than 2.7 million. Total FDI in the industry passed $700 billion in 2017. With investments of $91 billion in research and development in 2016, and a record of strong enforcement of intellectual property rights, the chemical industry accounts for a significant portion of patents granted in the United States.
Strong product identification and quality, access to low-cost natural gas, a highly educated workforce, world class research centers, protection for intellectual property, and a robust regulatory system make the United States a competitive home for chemical firms from across the globe.
McHenry County is home to:
- 10 industrial chemical manufacturers
- 2 petroleum refining companies
- 1 Petroleum & Coal products manufacturer
