The Indian chemicals industry is twelfth largest in the world and third largest in Asia in terms of volumes. The industry contributes 3 per cent to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and the Indian chemicals industry is currently valued at around US$35 billion.

The chemicals sector contributed 14.1 per cent to the total national exports in 2008–09.

India has three approved Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs). The end-use industries for the chemicals sector such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, paper, life science, etc., have strong domestic markets ensuring rising domestic demand.

Alkali chemicals form the largest segment in the Indian inorganic chemicals sector. Majority of the chemicals exported are alkali chemicals. Significant demand-supply gap indicates need for fresh investment. Production of alkali chemicals in 2007–08 was 5.44 million metric tones (MT) whereas the consumption was 5.83 million MT, indicating a significant demand-supply gap.

Major key players are Tata Chemicals, Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd. (GHCL) and Nirma Ltd.