The chemicals sector entered 2026 in a fragile recovery phase, with its total brand value rising 1% to USD83.3 billion, according to the Chemicals 50 2026.
Last year, the sector’s collective brand value stood at approximately USD82.5 billion, following a notable decline from its 2024 performance (USD83.7 billion), as rising margin pressures and increasingly weaker investor sentiment weighed on performance, leaving the sector just below its previous peak.
Geopolitical developments have added a further layer of uncertainty to the sector’s outlook, highlighting the vulnerability of feedstock supply chains.
Despite this, the Brand Finance report says the world’s leading chemicals brands are demonstrating resilience, supported by strong brand fundamentals and strategic execution.
For the 12th consecutive year, BASF (brand value up 13% to USD10.7 billion) retains its position as the world’s most valuable chemicals brand. This sustained leadership reflects the brand’s resilience despite a challenging operating environment.
SABIC (brand value up 5% to USD5.2 billion) remains in second position for the sixth consecutive year, with modest growth reflecting resilience amid continued pressures in the global petrochemicals market.
Early signs of stabilisation are emerging, with SABIC reporting annual revenues of SAR116.5 billion (approximately USD31 billion) in 2025, supported by higher sales volumes despite ongoing pricing pressures.
Dow (brand value up 6% to USD5 billion) retains third position, with brand value growth driven by a notable improvement in brand strength.
Despite revenue pressures from declining selling prices and weaker demand in segments such as packaging and specialty plastics, Dow has strengthened its positioning through a sharper focus on specialty chemicals and targeted capacity expansion in silicones and alkoxylates in the US.
Savio D’Souza, Global Sector Head of Chemicals, Brand Finance, said: “The chemicals industry is in the early stages of a fundamental reorientation, from volume-driven commodity production toward innovation-led, sustainability-anchored businesses.
“Brand is the thread running through that transition. It’s what signals credibility to customers when you’re asking them to adopt new materials or processes.
“It’s what attracts the talent and partners you need to innovate at pace. It’s what gives investors’ confidence in a long-term thesis. The brands rising fastest in our rankings this year aren’t waiting for the cycle to turn; they’re building the assets that will make them indispensable when it does.”
Nutrien (brand value up 22% to USD2.6 billion) has emerged as the fastest-growing chemicals brand in 2026, recording the largest brand value increase across the sector.
“This performance is largely driven by improvements in its brand strength with Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 71.8/100 (2026) from 66.6/100 in 2025, with Nutrien achieving notable gains in credibility, appeal, and overall reputation across key markets including Canada, US, and Australia.
Morocco’s national phosphate champion, OCP Group (brand value at USD603 million) is a new entrant this year, securing the 50th position and standing out as a brand to watch in the global chemicals sector.
The brand’s strong debut is supported by rising global demand for phosphate-based fertilisers and the company’s continued investment in expanding production capacity and strengthening its international footprint. OCP controls between 68 and 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves and holds a 31% share of the global phosphate product market.
BASF rises from third place to become the strongest chemicals brand in 2026, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89/100 and an AAA brand strength rating, driven by strong B2B performance, high trust among industrial partners, and robust scores across reliability, reputation, and engagement in key markets including Germany, Japan, and South Korea, alongside continued investment in sustainable innovation.
Dow climbs from eighth to second strongest, with a BSI score of 85/100 and an AAA brand strength rating, supported by strong perceptions of credibility, knowledge, appeal, price acceptance, and recommendation, particularly among industrial customers in China, India, and South Korea.
Meanwhile, LG Chem (brand value up 7% to USD2.5 billion) moves from fourth to third place, achieving a BSI score of 82.9/100 and an AAA- rating. This reflects the brand’s strong overall improvement and growing recognition within the industry.
The company’s progress is supported by enhanced performance across credibility, reliability, and appeal, underpinned by strong domestic familiarity and continued investment in battery materials, sustainable polymers, and next-generation technologies.
The agriscience segment remains a critical pillar of the chemicals industry with Bayer Crop Science (brand value at USD3.5 billion) retaining its position as the most valuable agriscience brand with a BSI score of 83/100, continuing to account for the largest share of Bayer’s overall brand value.
Despite broader headwinds in the global agriculture markets, the segment demonstrated resilience, achieving 5% year-on-year growth.
However, in terms of brand strength, BASF Agricultural Solutions has overtaken Bayer to become the strongest agriscience brand, achieving a BSI score of 89.1/100. This shift reflects BASF’s disciplined execution across key drivers such as reliability, innovation delivery, and farmer engagement, enabling it to edge ahead in an increasingly competitive and cost-sensitive market.
Key Findings
The chemicals sector edges towards recovery as collective brand value rises to $83.3 billion.
SABIC is second most valuable brand in sector for sixth consecutive year amid steady growth.
Nutrien leads as fastest-growing chemicals brand in 2026.
OCP Group enters rankings as a Brand to Watch in the chemicals sector.
Sherwin-Williams retains leadership as the most valuable paints and coatings brand.
DSM-Firmenich leads newly introduced food flavouring & fragrance category.
Bayer Crop Science remains the most valuable agriscience brand – BASF Agricultural Solutions leads the sector in brand strength.* New Brand Finance data.
