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Our list of the largest chemical companies in Germany provides you with comprehensive insights into the most important players in the German chemical industry. In addition to current revenue and employee figures, you will also find valuable information on industry focus, executives, and contact details. The data is conveniently available as an Excel file for direct download.
Overview: Germany’s Highest-Revenue Chemical Company 2025
Germany’s highest-revenue chemical company in 2025 is BASF SE. The benchmark is the most recent available 2023 annual reports (as of 02.09.2025) and the exclusive ResearchGermany market research of the largest German chemical companies. In 2023, BASF generated revenue of €68,902 million, clearly ahead of other large German chemical groups.
Ranking of the Largest German Chemical Companies (Revenue 2023)
The following overview shows the top 5 by published 2023 revenue (in € million):
| Ranking | Company | Revenue 2023 (€m) | Revenue 2022 (€m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BASF SE | 68,902 | 87,327 |
| 2 | Bayer AG | 47,637 | 50,739 |
| 3 | Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH | 25,611 | 24,149 |
| 4 | Merck KGaA | 20,993 | 22,232 |
| 5 | Evonik Industries AG | 15,267 | 18,488 |
Why BASF is at the Top
The 2023 Annual Report of BASF describes a company-specific combination of segment breadth, integrated production, and global presence that ensures stable, high revenues in the competitive landscape:
- Broad segment portfolio: BASF operates along the entire chemical value chain in six business areas: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. This diversity serves many end markets – from automotive and construction to consumer goods and agriculture – reducing dependencies.
- Integrated “Verbund” structure: BASF’s typical Verbund links production plants so that feedstocks, energy, and by-products are optimally used across sites. This increases efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens supply capability – a structural advantage compared to less integrated competitors.
- Global footprint and customer proximity: Production sites and sales in all major economic regions enable economies of scale, short delivery routes, and robust utilization even in volatile phases.
- Innovation and application breadth: From basic chemicals to specialty solutions, BASF covers numerous applications, creating additional cross-selling potential and strengthening its market position compared to more narrowly focused players.
Competitor Comparison in Revenue
The table shows: Bayer follows with €47,637 million, Boehringer Ingelheim with €25,611 million, Merck with €20,993 million, and Evonik with €15,267 million. While some competitors are strong in specific segments (e.g., pharma or specialty chemicals), BASF combines an extraordinary market breadth with the Verbund as an efficiency anchor – the key reason why BASF leads in revenue.
Conclusion: Largest German Chemical Company 2025
BASF is the highest-revenue German chemical company in 2025. Its leading position is based on the segment diversity described in the annual report, integrated production, and global presence – factors that make the decisive difference in direct revenue comparison with other major German chemical companies.
Source: BASF Annual Report 2023 (Combined Management Report), ResearchGermany Chemical List (2025)
Image source: Getty Images, 02.09.2025
Last Updated on 5 months ago
