Chemicals 'Made in Germany': The Role of Germany's Chemical Industry in Europe

摘要

The chemical industry is one of the largest and most successful industrial sectors in Germany. Last year, some 1,700 companies generated sales of over E 160 billion. More than 430,000 people are employed in the sector, which has an impressive track record going back over 125 years. The chemical industry plays a significant role in the German economy, being its fourth largest sector in terms of turnover. Around 10percent of industrial sales volume is accounted for by chemical firms. Only the automobile and electronics industries and mechanical engineering can boast higher turnovers. Furthermore, the chemical sector is undergoing dynamic growth, with production growing at a rate above the average for the manufacturing industries.