Member type: Full Member + RCLG

Chemical industry

The Brazilian chemical industry is a key segment of the national economy and generates about 3% of GDP. the gross domestic product (GDP). Approximately 4,500 companies provide jobs for 300,000 workers. Brazil is ranked ninth in the world in terms of among countries with chemical -industry output (2006).

The industrial chemical sector includes 1,200 enterprises and employs 110,000 workers. It is a major supplier of raw materials for downstream businesses. Information compiled by ABIQUIM indicates that the chemical industry is planning investments of US$ 22.1 billion in Brazil from 2008 to 2013, includingout of which US$ 12.0 billion in projectscome from already confirmed and underwaystarted new projects; , US$ 7.1 billion from projects under study; and US$ 2.7 billion a result of from maintenance, revamps, as well as environment and safety improvements.

National association
ABIQUIM represents the Brazilian manufacturers of  basic, intermediate and fine chemicals, including petrochemicals, specialties and other industrial chemical products. The association deals with a wide number of issues, including the coordination of Atuação Responsável® (the Brazilian version of Responsible Care®, which includes HSE, security, quality management and social responsibility); capacity building; statistics; economic studies; product advocacy; free trade agreements; tariff negotiations; and others. ABIQUIM operates a nationwide 24-hour emergency information service for transport and fixed installations called Pró-Química®; and coordinates the Brazilian equivalent to Cefic’s Safety and Quality Assessment Scheme SQAS, called SASSMAQ, and similar initiatives dedicated to improve transport safety.
ABIQUIM represents the Brazilian chemical industry in the Mercosur Chemical Industry Council, CIQUIM, and in the International Council of Chemical Associations - ICCA. Members include 160 chemical companies and more than 60 Responsible Care partner companies from sectors such as transport, distribution, emergency response and waste management.