Chemical Sector: Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources

Sector Overview

The Chemical Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy, employing nearly 1 million people, and earning revenues of more than $637 billion per year. This sector can be divided into five main segments, based on the end product produced:

1. basic chemicals,
2. specialty chemicals,
3. agricultural chemicals,
4. pharmaceuticals, and
5. consumer products.

Each of these segments has distinct characteristics, growth dynamics, markets, new developments, and issues. The majority of Chemical Sector facilities are privately owned, requiring DHS to work closely with the private sector and its industry associations to identify and prioritize assets, assess risks, develop and implement protective programs, and measure program effectiveness.

The Chemical Sector is dependent on, depended on by, and overlaps with a wide range of other sectors, including:

• Transportation Systems, for the movement of raw materials and finished products;
• Energy;
• Water;
• Agriculture & Food;
• Information Technology and
• Communications.

Read the Chemical Sector Snapshot. (PDF, 2 pages - 359 KB)