Chemical industry in Germany
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The chemical industry in Germany is one of the most well-established in the world, and a world leader; a quarter of the chemicals made in the EU, are made in Germany.
Currently the German industry, turning over 160 billion euros[1] is the European leader, and the third-biggest in the world. It is Germany's third-largest industry, after Germany's much-renowned automotive industry, and its mechanical engineering industry. The largest German chemical company is BASF, turning over 59 billion euros in 2020, with around 110,000 workers.
History[edit]
Before World War II, the German chemical industry was the European leader.
After World War II, the industry was not making any amount of organic chemicals, but by the mid-1950s, the West German industry was making around a third of the output of organic chemicals as the UK.
Exports[edit]
By 1960 West Germany was exporting 40% more chemicals than the UK, according to the British Productivity Council.[2]
Turnover by year[edit]
West Germany[edit]
- 1956 £1,300m
- 1957 £1,450m[3]
Energy consumption[edit]
The chemical industry consumes around 8% of Germany's energy, with 15% of Germany's natural gas, and 10% of Germany's electricity.
Workforce[edit]
There are 450,000 workers in the industry, with 400,000 workers for foreign subsidiaries of German chemical companies.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Chemical Industry". www.gtai.de.
- ^ Birmingham Mail Friday 22 February 1963, page 11
- ^ Belfast Telegraph Saturday 28 December 1957, page 1