CBA voices concern over chemical sector’s …

The Chemical Business Association (CBA) has expressed deep disappointment over the exclusion of the chemical supply chain and the wider chemical sector from the Government’s newly announced Industrial Strategy, despite the essential role the sector plays in UK industry and, indeed, wider economy.

The Industrial Strategy, which is a 10-year plan aimed at driving growth in eight key sectors, called the IS-8, through measures such as trade support and reduced energy prices, does not include the chemical sector. While facets of the chemical supply chain are briefly mentioned, the CBA believes that the chemical sector as a whole should be more clearly and openly acknowledged.

Tim Doggett, Chief Executive Officer of the CBA, said: “I hope the exclusion of the chemical sector is simply an unfortunate oversight and that a separate announcement from the Government on chemicals will be forthcoming.

“The UK’s chemical sector is the backbone of modern manufacturing and wider UK industry. Chemicals are one of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, so to omit them from the Industrial Strategy sends the wrong message to a sector that underpins everything, from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to construction, technology, and consumer products, including the food and drinks industry.

“In fact, over 97% of all manufactured products contain inputs from the chemical sector. Combined with pharmaceuticals, the chemical sector is the nation’s second largest export. It is also a major contributor to the UK economy, with CBA members alone contributing more than £5 billion and employing over 10,000 people nationwide.”

This is the latest in a series of let-downs for the sector, alongside the exclusion from key reports and events, including the UK-EU Reset Summit in May.

Doggett added: “Considering this Government’s often-repeated ambitions for economic growth, the exclusion of the chemical sector from the Industrial Strategy is unexpected, particularly considering Rachel Reeves going on the record in June 2024 to say there were plans to develop a ‘bespoke’ arrangement for the chemical sector.”

He concluded: “We already work closely with the Government and relevant departments, and continue to encourage open engagement with the CBA and other peer organisations in the chemical sector. We are always happy to make time to demonstrate just how critical the chemical supply chain – and the wider chemical sector – are to UK industry and the nation as a whole.”