The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has released the 2010 edition of The Guide to the Business of Chemistry. Published annually, the guide highlights the chemical industry's contributions to U.S. and world economies.

“After the economic uncertainties of the past few years, the chemical manufacturing sector appears to be recovering, and the outlook is positive,” said ACC’s chief economist, Kevin Swift. “Yet, many challenges remain – both economically and politically. We develop the guide annually to help our members and other stakeholders put the ups and downs into perspective, identify trends and to provide them a tool that will help them plan for a sound economic future.”

Prepared by ACC’s economics and statistics department, the guide divides the $674 billion-a-year industry into five types of production: basic, specialty, agricultural, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products chemicals. The emphasis, however, is largely on basic and specialty chemicals.

Within these market segments, topics covered include production and price indices, shipments and financial performance measures. Individual chapters are dedicated to energy (including cost, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions), global markets and world trade, research and development and innovation, capital investment, distribution, and employment.

As the world’s largest producer, the U.S. chemical industry is one of the country’s top exporters, accounting for more than 10% of total U.S. merchandise exports and provides more than 800,000 high-paying jobs.

The Guide to the Business of Chemistry is available for $385. To order or download an electronic version, visit www.americanchemistry.com/store or call 301-617-7824.