The chemical supply industry plays a critical role in almost every sector, from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and food production. With global demand for chemicals continuously growing, suppliers are being called upon to provide increasingly specialized solutions, driven by innovation, sustainability, and regulatory changes. This week, we're exploring the top chemical suppliers across the U.S., spotlighting companies that are leading the way in product development, supply chain management, and more.
Curious about the key statistics surrounding U.S chemical suppliers and their top companies? This article will explore some key facts and statistics about chemical suppliers in the U.S. and will also examine the industry’s largest and top suppliers.
Key Facts about U.S. Chemical Suppliers
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustyNet, surveyed the nation’s more than 2,200 U.S. chemical suppliers, directly collecting key data points on this essential industry for 2024.
• There are currently 2,221 chemicals suppliers in the U.S.
• 144,472 workers are employed in this powerful industry.
• Employment among chemical suppliers has increased 3.1% over the past year (November 2023 to November 2024)
• Average reported sales for U.S. chemical suppliers ran $868 billion 2023-2024.
• 41 U.S. chemical suppliers or 2% are women-owned
• 25 U.S. chemical suppliers or 1% are minority-owned
• 1,101 or 50% of chemical suppliers distribute their products internationally.
• The U.S. South accounts for the most chemical suppliers at 44%, following by the Midwest region with 28%.
Learn about the chemical industry at large in our post Key Facts & Trends in the U.S. Chemical Industry.
IndustryNet’s Top Chemical Suppliers
The U.S. chemical supply industry is diverse and dynamic, with companies ranging from large-scale manufacturers to specialized producers offering unique solutions for a wide range of applications. In this section, we highlight some of IndustryNet’s standout chemical suppliers across the U.S., supplying everything from agricultural and biotech chemicals to printing and textile chemicals.
Hydrite
Hydrite is a family-owned company established in 1929, recognized as one of the largest independent providers of chemicals and related services in the United States. With multiple locations, Hydrite specializes in industrial chemical manufacturing and distribution, food and dairy sanitation, food ingredients, organic processing, sulfur chemistries, liquid fertilizers, water treatment, and foam control.
Archroma US, Inc.
Archroma US, Inc., based in Charlotte, NC, is a global leader in dyes and specialty chemicals for textiles and paper. The company serves the branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, and coatings, adhesives, and sealants markets. Archroma is committed to innovation, quality, service, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
Chemical Distributors, Inc.
Chemical Distributors, Inc. (CDI), headquartered in Portland, OR, has been distributing raw materials and containers to industries across the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain States since 1976. They specialize in industrial chemicals, including pigments, and provide metal and plastic containers.
Consolidated Chemical Industries
Consolidated Chemical Industries, located in Houston, TX, offers a wide range of industrial, oil field, and specialty chemicals, including sodium chlorite. The company prides itself on providing high-quality products and services tailored to meet the needs of various industries.
Harcros Chemicals, Inc.
Harcros Chemicals, Inc. is a leading distributor of industrial organic and specialty chemicals, with a strong presence in Little Rock, AR. The company has been in operation for over a century, providing high-quality products and solutions to customers across the United States.
Jones-Hamilton Co.
Jones-Hamilton Co., based in Walbridge, OH, is an employee-owned company established in 1951. They manufacture and distribute sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid, serving a variety of industries with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Seydel-Woolley & Co., Inc.
Seydel-Woolley & Co., Inc., located in Pendergrass, GA, is a well-known leader in textile process chemicals, including toll processing. The company has a long history of providing innovative and sustainable chemical solutions for the textile and apparel industry.
Sherwin, Incorporated
Sherwin, Incorporated, based in South Gate, CA, manufactures the Dubl-Chek line of liquid dye inspection penetrants and related products. These products are widely used in the aerospace and welding industries for non-destructive testing of critical components.
ChemGroup, Inc.
ChemGroup, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, KY, is a leading distributor of industrial and specialty chemicals. They specialize in supplying acids, alkali chemicals, and other solvents, serving a wide range of industries with a commitment to quality and customer service.
Cherokee Chemical Co., Inc.
Cherokee Chemical Co., Inc., located in Vernon, CA, has been providing custom-blended chemical solutions since 1957. They specialize in soaps and detergents, as well as water treatment and industrial cleaning compounds10.
Gulf Coast Chemical, LLC
Gulf Coast Chemical, LLC, based in Abbeville, LA, has been serving the oil and gas industry since 1981. They specialize in oil field chemicals and lubricants, providing essential products and services to support oilfield production and operations1.
Haltermann Carless US, Inc.
Haltermann Carless US, Inc., located in Troy, MI, is a leading international manufacturer of high-value hydrocarbon specialties. They offer a wide range of products, including mud and specialty oils, printing inks, base oils, pilot oils, oil and gas products, pentanes, performance fuels, performance solvents, and special aromatics for various markets such as energy, industrial, life sciences, and mobility.
Harcros Chemicals, Inc.
Harcros Chemicals, Inc. in St. Gabriel, LA, is a prominent distributor of industrial chemicals, water treatment chemicals, oilfield chemicals, process chemicals, and HI&I (Household, Industrial & Institutional) chemicals. With over a century of experience, Harcros is known for its reliable supply chain and customer-focused solutions.
Hubbard-Hall Inc.
Hubbard-Hall Inc., headquartered in Waterbury, CT, has been solving tough surface finishing and wastewater treatment problems since 1849. They offer a range of products including AquaPure, Emerald PaintPrep, AquaStrip, AquaEase, MetalGuard, BlackMagic, and BriteDip, catering to various industrial applications.
Industrial Chemicals Corporation
Industrial Chemicals Corporation, based in Arvada, CO, is a full-line chemical distributor specializing in CBD extraction chemicals. They provide a comprehensive range of commodity products and process aids, along with custom and proprietary chemical blending with quality control testing.
Kao Specialties Americas LLC
Kao Specialties Americas LLC, located in High Point, NC, is a member of the Kao Group. They manufacture performance chemicals, imaging materials, oleo chemicals, and aroma chemicals. Kao Specialties Americas is committed to sustainability and innovation, providing high-quality products for various industries.
Rho Chemical Co., Inc.
Rho Chemical Co., Inc., based in Joliet, IL, has been in business for over 50 years. They specialize in toll processing and contract manufacturing, offering a wide range of chemical services to industries such as agriculture, food, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial markets.
Thatcher Company, Inc.
Thatcher Company, Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, is a diversified chemical manufacturer and distributor with the largest chemical inventory in Utah. They provide a wide range of products and services, including water treatment solutions, mining chemicals, and industrial chemicals.
See all 2,200+ chemicals suppliers on IndustryNet here.
Eight Key Considerations for Finding a Chemical Supplier
Now that you’ve found a trusted resource for finding and quoting chemical suppliers, where do you go from here?
When searching for a chemical supplier, it's important to go beyond the basics of cost and delivery time. The chemical industry requires suppliers that can meet rigorous standards, maintain high levels of safety, and offer specialized solutions. Here are eight key factors to consider when selecting a chemical supplier:
1. Product Quality and Consistency
In the chemical industry, product quality and consistency are paramount. Variability in chemicals can affect the performance, safety, and compliance of your end products. Look for suppliers that offer strict quality control measures and third-party certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, REACH compliance) to ensure their chemicals meet your exact specifications every time.
2. Safety and Compliance
Chemicals often come with strict regulatory requirements depending on their type, use, and location. A good supplier will not only meet these regulations but also ensure that their products are compliant with federal and state guidelines (OSHA, EPA, etc.). Consider a supplier who provides Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and clear documentation for proper handling and storage of hazardous materials.
3. Customization Capabilities
Some industries require custom formulations or packaging. Whether it’s a unique chemical compound or a specific grade, finding a supplier that offers customization options is critical. Suppliers with R&D capabilities can collaborate on custom products tailored to your manufacturing process or application needs.
4. Supply Chain Reliability
The global nature of the chemical industry means that supply chain disruptions can have a significant impact. Look for suppliers with a proven track record of on-time delivery and robust logistics management. Suppliers with multiple warehouses or local manufacturing capabilities may offer better reliability and flexibility in meeting deadlines.
5. Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability is a growing concern in the chemical industry. Many chemical suppliers are adopting greener practices such as reducing waste, offering eco-friendly products, and minimizing carbon footprints. If your company is committed to sustainability, partnering with a supplier who shares these values can improve your overall environmental impact and brand reputation.
6. Technical Support and Customer Service
The chemical industry often involves complex technical requirements. It’s crucial to partner with suppliers that offer excellent customer service, technical support, and problem-solving capabilities. A supplier should be able to assist with application guidance, troubleshooting, and offer quick response times to inquiries or issues.
7. Pricing and Terms
While pricing should not be the only deciding factor, it remains important in any procurement decision. Ensure you understand the supplier’s pricing structure, payment terms, and any additional fees for customization or expedited services. Some suppliers may offer volume discounts or long-term contract pricing, so be sure to inquire about all available options.
8. Reputation and References
Finally, research the supplier’s reputation within the chemical industry. Look for reviews, case studies, or testimonials from other companies that have used their products or services. A supplier with a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and quality will be more likely to meet your needs effectively and consistently.
Finding & Quoting Chemicals Suppliers
Looking for a chemical supplier? IndustryNet can help you narrow down your search for a domestic supplier. Search, sort, and quote for free on America’s most-trusted industrial marketplace.
Or maybe you’re looking to sell to the U.S. chemical industry? MNI’s Chemicals and Allied Products Industrial Database, contains detailed profiles of 14,000+ U.S. chemical companies and their 37,000+ executives for your sales, marketing and business development efforts.
