The U.S. chemical distribution market size was estimated at around USD 28.05 billion in 2023 and it is projected to hit around USD 57.97 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.53% from 2024 to 2033.
The U.S. chemical distribution market plays a crucial role in the supply chain of various industries, providing essential raw materials and chemicals needed for production processes. This market encompasses a wide range of chemicals, including specialty chemicals, bulk chemicals, and raw materials, distributed to industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and manufacturing. The chemical distribution sector ensures the timely and efficient delivery of these products, enabling businesses to maintain uninterrupted operations.
The growth of the U.S. chemical distribution market is primarily driven by an increasing demand from various end-user industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. These industries rely heavily on a consistent supply of specialty and bulk chemicals for their production processes. Additionally, advancements in distribution logistics, such as the implementation of automation and real-time tracking systems, have enhanced the efficiency and reliability of chemical delivery. Stringent regulatory requirements also necessitate specialized distribution services that ensure safe handling and compliance, further boosting market demand. As a result, chemical distributors that can navigate these regulatory landscapes and adopt cutting-edge technologies are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing market opportunities.
In 2023, the commodity segment led the market, holding the largest share at 70%. The growing use of chemicals in plastics, polymers, and petrochemical industries has fueled the expansion of the commodity chemicals market. Commodity chemicals, also known as bulk chemicals, are essential for large-scale manufacturing of other chemicals. They are broadly categorized into organic and inorganic chemicals. Inorganic chemicals include soda ash, chlorine, caustic soda, carbon black, and calcium carbonate. Organic chemicals include methanol, acetic acid, and formaldehyde, among others.
Within the commodity chemical market, petrochemicals held the largest share due to their extensive use in producing downstream derivatives like plastic resins, man-made fibers, dyes and pigments, synthetic rubber, and surfactants. Petrol serves as the primary fuel and feedstock for petrochemicals.
Specialty chemicals also held a significant market share in 2023, attributed to their ability to enhance manufacturing processes and product performance. These chemicals are tailored to meet specific services and consumer needs. However, their availability can be limited by patents, with only a few manufacturers producing them.
The CASE segment (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) had the highest revenue share within the specialty chemicals market in 2023. This is due to its role in improving the performance and durability of building materials like concrete and steel in commercial and industrial applications. The rising demand for specialty adhesives, coatings, and other materials in high-performance sectors such as construction, automotive, and paints is expected to drive the CASE segment and, consequently, the specialty chemicals market.
In the commodity chemical segment, the downstream category held the largest market share at 38% in 2023. This growth is driven by the use of downstream chemicals in producing petrochemical products like petrol, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel oils, lubricants, waxes, and asphalt, which are directly utilized in various heavy manufacturing industries such as automotive, aviation, steel, and shipping. The demand for petrochemicals is anticipated to rise due to the significant growth in these end-user industries, thereby boosting the downstream chemicals market.
Additionally, the automotive and transportation segment within the commodity chemicals market also held a notable share in 2023. In this industry, commodity chemicals are essential raw materials for manufacturing automobile parts, such as HVAC systems and basic building blocks, contributing to the segment's growth.
Conversely, within the specialty chemicals market, the construction segment accounted for the largest share at 32% in 2023. Specialty chemicals are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings, and the demand for these chemicals is directly linked to the global growth of construction activities.
Furthermore, the industrial manufacturing segment within specialty chemicals also held a significant market share in 2023. The favorable physicochemical properties of specialty chemicals have increased their demand in lubricants and oil additives, which are crucial for various industries, including rubber processing, metalworking, oil fields, and pulp and paper.
By Product
By End-use
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Definition
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Data Sources
2.3. Assumptions & Limitations
Chapter 3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Market Variables and Scope
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Market Classification and Scope
4.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3.1. Raw Material Procurement Analysis
4.3.2. Sales and Distribution Channel Analysis
4.3.3. Downstream Buyer Analysis
Chapter 5. COVID 19 Impact on U.S. Chemical Distribution Market
5.1. COVID-19 Landscape: U.S. Chemical Distribution Industry Impact
5.2. COVID 19 - Impact Assessment for the Industry
5.3. COVID 19 Impact: Major Government Policy
5.4. Market Trends and Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape
Chapter 6. Market Dynamics Analysis and Trends
6.1. Market Dynamics
6.1.1. Market Drivers
6.1.2. Market Restraints
6.1.3. Market Opportunities
6.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
6.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers
6.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers
6.2.3. Threat of substitute
6.2.4. Threat of new entrants
6.2.5. Degree of competition
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
7.1.1. Company Market Share/Positioning Analysis
7.1.2. Key Strategies Adopted by Players
7.1.3. Vendor Landscape
7.1.3.1. List of Suppliers
7.1.3.2. List of Buyers
Chapter 8. U.S. Chemical Distribution Market, By Product
8.1. U.S. Chemical Distribution Market, by Product, 2024-2033
8.1.1. Specialty Chemicals
8.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.2. Commodity Chemicals
8.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 9. U.S. Chemical Distribution Market, By End-use
9.1. U.S. Chemical Distribution Market, by End-use, 2024-2033
9.1.1. Specialty Chemicals
9.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.2. Commodity Chemicals
9.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 10. U.S. Chemical Distribution Market, Regional Estimates and Trend Forecast
10.1. U.S.
10.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.1.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End-use (2021-2033)
Chapter 11. Company Profiles
11.1. Univar Solutions Inc.
11.1.1. Company Overview
11.1.2. Product Offerings
11.1.3. Financial Performance
11.1.4. Recent Initiatives
11.2. Helm AG
11.2.1. Company Overview
11.2.2. Product Offerings
11.2.3. Financial Performance
11.2.4. Recent Initiatives
11.3. Brenntag AG
11.3.1. Company Overview
11.3.2. Product Offerings
11.3.3. Financial Performance
11.3.4. Recent Initiatives
11.4. Barentz
11.4.1. Company Overview
11.4.2. Product Offerings
11.4.3. Financial Performance
11.4.4. LTE Scientific
11.5. Azelis
11.5.1. Company Overview
11.5.2. Product Offerings
11.5.3. Financial Performance
11.5.4. Recent Initiatives
11.6. Safic Alan
11.6.1. Company Overview
11.6.2. Product Offerings
11.6.3. Financial Performance
11.6.4. Recent Initiatives
11.7. Ashland
11.7.1. Company Overview
11.7.2. Product Offerings
11.7.3. Financial Performance
11.7.4. Recent Initiatives
11.8. Biesterfeld AG
11.8.1. Company Overview
11.8.2. Product Offerings
11.8.3. Financial Performance
11.8.4. Recent Initiatives
11.9. ICC Industries, Inc.
11.9.1. Company Overview
11.9.2. Product Offerings
11.9.3. Financial Performance
11.9.4. Recent Initiatives
Chapter 12. Research Methodology
12.1. Primary Research
12.2. Secondary Research
12.3. Assumptions
Chapter 13. Appendix
13.1. About Us
13.2. Glossary of Terms
Cross-segment Market Size and Analysis for
Mentioned Segments
Additional Company Profiles (Upto 5 With No Cost)
Additional Countries (Apart From Mentioned Countries)
Country/Region-specific Report
Go To Market Strategy
Region Specific Market DynamicsRegion Level Market Share Import Export AnalysisProduction AnalysisOthers