The American Chemistry Council (ACC) appreciates the Trump administration’s pursuit of a trade policy that values American manufacturing and jobs. As one of the nation’s most critical industries, chemistry plays a vital role in helping the United States compete on the global stage and maintain its status as a manufacturing superpower.

Chemistry fuels every corner of the U.S. economy by creating high-paying jobs, driving investment in research and development and supplying essential chemicals for everyday life. Trade is a key factor in the industry’s competitiveness. As the second-largest export manufacturing sector, the U.S. chemical industry posted a trade surplus of more than $30 billion in 2023, with exports supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

Canada and Mexico are the industry’s largest trading partners. The American chemical sector imports critical materials—many unavailable domestically—adding value and strengthening manufacturing supply chains in the United States and abroad through exports. As a net exporter, both in the aggregate and individually with Canada and Mexico, the industry positively contributes to the nation’s trade balance.

As ACC reviews the impact of these executive orders, it urges all parties to negotiate a resolution to the underlying issues as soon as possible. The U.S. chemical industry continues to support the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA’s Annex on Chemical Substances, created during President Trump’s first administration, serves as a model for future trade agreements, promoting U.S.-based production and science-based regulatory approaches. Alongside the Chemical Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and the Asociación Nacional de la Industria Química (ANIQ) in Mexico, ACC calls on all governments to work together to combat the illegal movement of controlled substances, such as fentanyl.

The United States can strengthen its global competitiveness by ensuring access to low-cost, essential imported inputs and securing fair, competitive access to key markets. ACC is committed to working constructively with the administration to develop a trade agenda that enhances supply chain resilience while preventing tariff circumvention. By expanding science-based regulatory approaches and reinforcing trade with trusted partners, the industry can continue to grow while protecting American interests.

Chemicals are essential to countless industries and products, making a strong, innovative chemical sector critical to national security, economic resilience and long-term prosperity. American trade relies on American chemistry.

Learn more at: americanchemistry.com.