This issue features C&EN's annual analysis of the state of the global chemical industry. In brief, 2006 was a good year.rnOn 40 pages, beginning on page 29, we lay out the data underlying that statement. Here are some interesting tidbits:rn1. U.S. employees of the chemical industry generated average per capita sales of $596,200 in 2006.rn2. Plastics in primary form yielded the best U.S. trade balance in chemicals ($12.5 billion) , while medicinals and pharmaceuti-cals yielded the worst (-$16.8 billion).rn3. In 2005, China's organic chemicals exports ($12.1 billion) equaled 68% of Japan's total (%17.9 billion); in 2006, China narrowed the gap, with its exports ($15.5 billion) equivalent to 83% of Japan's ($18.6 billion).
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