Phl chemical sector gears up for Chem Expo 2017

Chemical manufacturers, suppliers and distributors are gearing up for the largest gathering of important players in the Philippine chemicals sector during Chem Expo 2017, which runs from Nov. 24 to 26 at the World Trade Center Manila.

The expo and trade fair is expected to attract a large number of Philippine-based small and medium enterprises, as well as more than 100 foreign participants and global players from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Europe.

The three-day expo, open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., will showcase an immersive product portfolio covering a wide range of specialty chemicals and raw materials used in the production and manufacture of pharmaceuticals, plastics, colors and coating, organic and fine chemicals, dyes and pigments, personal care products, agrochemicals, chemical fiber, laboratory and packaging equipment and many others.

The large domestic market – a young population with a median age of 23 and a 100-million strong population – provides a promising market base for pharmaceutical, personal care, cleaning substances, coating and other related businesses that rely on chemicals.

The chemicals sector is the third largest manufacturing sub-sector with revenues reaching P330 billion in 2009. Combined chemical imports and domestic production is worth about $14 billion, equivalent to 6.7 percent of GDP. Rapid growth of annual chemical trade imports amount to 13 percent and exports at 17 percent, respectively. There are also more than 1,400 registered chemical manufacturing firms employing 100,000 personnel directly. Domestic production of chemicals, chemical products, plastic and rubber products have been growing an average of seven percent per annum in terms of revenue. All these data point to the strength and vibrancy of the chemical industry and its related manufacturing sector.