BASF Reclaims Top Spot in ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies Ranking

Germany-based BASF has reclaimed the top spot in the ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies ranking for 2025, with sales of $70.0 billion. The annual ranking, compiled by ICIS Chemical Business, highlights the financial performance of the world's leading chemical producers. China-based Sinopec comes in second with $66.3 billion in sales, followed by US-based ExxonMobil at $53.4 billion, PetroChina with $42.1 billion, and US-based Dow at $40.0 billion.

The ranking, which is part of the ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies issue of ICIS Chemical Business, provides a comprehensive view of the industry's financial health. According to Joseph Chang, the global editor of ICIS Chemical Business, 2025 was likely the cycle bottom for earnings, with 2026 expected to see a significant margin recovery. This recovery is attributed to supply shortages stemming from conflicts in the Middle East, which have impacted both chemicals and their feedstocks.

Despite the overall decline in operating profits, which fell 47.3% from the previous year, the ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies saw a 4.6% decrease in sales. Net profits plummeted 81.9% due to the overcapacity in petrochemicals, particularly in China, combined with weak demand in sectors such as housing, automotive, and durable goods.

China-based companies, which have been the most active in expanding production capacity, accounted for four of the top ten positions. This expansion has outpaced three US-based companies, two European firms, and one Middle Eastern entity. The ranking includes metrics such as sales, operating profits, net income, total assets, capital expenditures, and R&D spending, offering a detailed snapshot of the industry's landscape.

ICIS, an independent commodity intelligence service, compiles the ranking to provide data and analytics across global chemical, fertilizer, and energy markets. The company, which is part of RELX, a global provider of information and analytics, serves thousands of businesses worldwide, enabling them to make informed decisions.

The ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies ranking is a critical tool for understanding the chemical industry's performance and trends. With BASF once again at the top, the ranking underscores the company's continued dominance in the sector.