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The CIA gathers industry insights through a quarterly business survey to advocate for our members’ interests with policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders.
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The Chemical Industry
The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is fundamental to modern society. With an immense variety of products, from vital medicines and foods, the construction of buildings, to transport and leisure, the industry truly does have an impact on virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
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Press Releases
Press releases
CIA urges Chancellor to make Autumn Budget a turning point for industrial renewal, competitiveness and national resilience
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) is calling on the Chancellor to use the Autumn Budget to launch a £1 billion Chemical Industry Investment and Competitiveness Programme, designed to unlock at least £3 billion in private-sector investment and help strengthen the long-term competitiveness of UK chemical manufacturing.
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Media & PR Enquiries
For media enquiries please contact
Simon Marsh
07951389197
MarshS@cia.org.uk
Tafadzwa Kahari
07885831615
Kaharit@cia.org.uk
Press releases
Chemical industry welcomes Jackdaw decision as vital step towards strengthening UK energy security
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to approve the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the UK’s energy security and supporting the competitiveness of energy-intensive manufacturing. With high industrial energy costs continuing to place pressure on domestic production and investment, the Association says the decision highlights the need for a broader industrial energy strategy that ensures reliable and affordable supplies while supporting the long-term resilience, growth and decarbonisation of the UK chemical sector.
Q3 2026 CIA Business Survey: Factories under pressure, UK chemical industry warns of deepening manufacturing decline
The latest business survey from the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) highlights the growing pressures facing a strategically important foundation industry, as rising energy costs, weakening demand and mounting investment challenges continue to undermine UK competitiveness. With chemical production forecast to decline further and almost half of businesses reporting cuts to production or operating activity during the third quarter, the results raise fresh concerns about the UK’s ability to attract investment, support industrial growth and deliver its reindustrialisation ambitions.
Q2 2026 CIA Business Survey: “Reindustrialisation” can’t come quickly enough
The latest business survey from the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) highlights a sector still under severe strain, with persistently high UK energy costs and widening policy‑driven disadvantages delaying or derailing vital investment. Despite signs of demand recovery, chemical businesses face a year‑long trade deficit and mounting competitive pressure, deepening concerns ...
Government investment welcomed, but more needed to secure UK critical infrastructure
Following the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that £350 million is to be allocated to a number of chemical companies, the industry’s key trade body has thanked the Government, but warned there is more to do to secure national resilience and a key foundation sector of the economy. ...
Q1 2026 CIA Business Survey: Dramatic change of policy direction needed to save Britain’s chemical industry
The latest business survey from the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) exposes a sector facing unprecedented pressure, with soaring energy, raw material and trade‑related costs pushing many UK chemical businesses to the brink. Already contending with long‑standing competitive disadvantages at home, the industry is now being hit by global instability and ...
Q4 2025 CIA Business Survey: UK chemical sector faces further factory closures
Figures released by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) show a sector under mounting strain, with the latest business survey pointing to continued weak demand, falling employment and the growing likelihood of further site closures. The findings underline the deep challenges facing the UK’s chemical industry as it enters ...
New Principles of Workplace Health & Wellbeing Leadership Launched
A new set of Principles of Workplace Health and Wellbeing Leadership has been launched through a collaboration between the Health and Safety Executive, the Chemical Industries Association and wider industry and union partners, providing a practical framework to strengthen workforce wellbeing and drive consistent, positive leadership across major hazard sectors.
CIA launches new Project 2035 video highlighting the future needs of the UK chemical industry
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has today released a new video showcasing insights from across its member companies on the future of the UK chemical sector. The video forms the next step in the Association’s Project 2035 initiative, following the publication of its report Project 2035: Pathways for a resilient and sustainable future, developed in partnership with S&P Global.
Regulatory “stones in the business backpack” a little lighter - CIA Autumn Budget Reaction
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Budget Statement, the chemical sector has breathed a sigh of relief on some key regulatory measures.
UK’s industry of industries facing unprecedented challenges
The latest quarterly business survey conducted by the CIA showed that almost half of Britain’s chemical companies experienced falls in new orders and a more than 30% have seen falls in sales, production levels and capacity utilisation. This feedback from over 40 leaders of UK chemical businesses is consistent with the latest ONS data, confirming a 5.6% fall in production over the three months to September.
UPDATE: CIA wins 5% energy efficiency target for UK chemicals following Ministerial approval
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has accepted the CIA’s counterproposal under the Climate Change Agreement, agreeing to a 5% energy efficiency improvement by 2030, down 7 percentage points from DESNZ’s proposed target of 12%.
Energy costs and international economic uncertainty attack the core of British industry
The latest CIA quarterly business survey showed that one third of Britain’s chemical companies experienced falls in sales, production levels and capacity utilisation. This performance is directly attributed to the cost of energy and international economic uncertainty.
A necessary extension caused by ongoing uncertainty
Given this is the third extension since the UK’s departure from the EU and with that the set-up of UK REACH, five years on we urge Government to deliver on the commitment made to minimise registration costs to industry while maintaining human health and environment protection.
The Chemical Industries Association in joint call for skills and education action
The CIA, RSC, IChemE and SCI have committed to working with the government to help implement the industrial strategy, and is calling on the government to make the most of the opportunities presented in the upcoming Post-16 Skills white Paper.
UK Chemical Industries Association statement on the Government’s new Industrial Strategy
The new Industrial Strategy marks a critical opportunity to rebuild competitiveness. Now the focus must turn to delivery and detail.
The Chemical Industries Association celebrates resilience and innovation at the Chemical Industry Awards in Leeds
With record entries, a sold out celebration and the milestone of 60 years of chemical industry representation, this year’s CIA awards showcased the strength and resilience of the UK’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses.
Chemical industry warns current cost of energy is barring the way to Net Zero
Latest CIA Business Survey reports energy costs reaching 400% higher than in the United States and 150% above the European Union — leaving UK businesses paying 200% more than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key industry faces threat of decline
Britain’s once dominant chemical industry is continuing to suffer, latest business survey confirms.
The Chemical Industries Association reacts to the Chancellor’s 2024 Budget
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has welcomed key elements of the Chancellor’s 2024 Budget, recognising positive developments for the chemical sector in areas such as industrial strategy, net zero growth, investment in skills and innovation.
UK’s chemical industry faces stalling growth against backdrop of rising costs, sluggish demand and Chinese competition
UK chemical industry growth slows as companies battle rising costs and falling demand, putting jobs and future investment at risk.
