Base and specialty chemicals in India
Chemical products can be broadly classified into base and specialty chemicals. The vast majority of chemicals manufactured in India are base chemicals. In financial year 2021, the production volume of basic major chemicals and petrochemicals in the country reached some 29.2 million metric tons. Base chemicals are also known as bulk chemicals, as they are manufactured on a large scale and used as intermediates to produce other chemicals.Specialty chemicals are derived from base chemicals and are also known as performance chemicals. These include paints, adhesives, agrochemicals, surfactants, water treatment chemicals, flavors, and fragrances, to name a few. The consumption volume of these chemicals is lower in comparison to base chemicals as they are used based on application. This sector is expected to grow in the future based on increased local demand, higher export share, and supportive government policies.
