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June 1991

Chemical trade prospers in the 1980’s

James Thomas, Jill Walker, Rebecca Westra, Robert Barr, Jeffery Couzens

A strong U.S. chemical trade surplus in the 1980's reflected industry competitiveness in the international market. The favorable balance of trade was achieved through diversification, cost advantages, gains in efficiency, and economies of scale. This article examines the factors that have most influenced the chemical trade balance, as well as specific industries associated with chemicals that had the most impact on the surplus.

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