A new report shows that chemical plant closures in Europe, has surged sixfold since 2022, reaching a cumulative 37 Mt of capacity – or around 9% of European production capacity – and resulting in the loss of 20,000 direct jobs in the chemical industry. The report also reveals a sharp slowdown in new investments, highlighting growing concerns over the competitiveness and long-term viability of Europe’s chemical sector. Annual announced investment capacity fell from 2.7 Mt in 2022 to just 0.3 Mt year-to-date in 2025, amounting to approximately 7 Mt in total over 2022–2025. With closures now significantly outpacing new investments, the European chemical industry is contracting. Background The European Chemical Closures & Investments Radar 2022-2025, commissioned by Cefic and prepared by Roland Berger, offers a structured, evidence based view of major shifts in Europe’s chemical landscape: plant closures, capacity changes, and investment trends.