The employment rate in the chemical manufacturers is expected to decline rapidly, and job seekers will face fierce competition.
Employment changes. Although output is expected to increase, during 2008-18, wages and salary employment in the chemical industries (excluding the pharmaceutical industry) are expected to fall by 13%, and all industries are expected to increase by 11%. The projected decline in employment can be attributed to trends affecting the US and global economy. Several factors will affect employment in the chemical industries, including technological advancements that automate factories and more effective chemical processes that affect production processes, national and world economic conditions, company mergers and mergers, increased foreign competition, the transfer of production activities to foreign countries, and the environment Health and safety issues and legislation. Another trend in the chemical industry is the increasing demand for specialty chemicals. Chemical companies have found that in order to remain competitive, they must differentiate their products and produce special chemicals, such as advanced polymers and plastics designed for customer specific purposes—for example, durable car body panels.
Improvements in production technology have reduced the demand for production workers; installation, maintenance and repair; this accounts for a large proportion of the chemical industry. In standard production, precision machines with computer control have replaced some workers. With automation, manufacturers can improve accuracy and reduce time and labor costs, thereby helping to increase production efficiency. Although as the use of computer control increases, production facilities will be easier to operate, but new production methods will require workers to have a better understanding of these systems.
It is very important for the company to improve the bottom line. The pressure to reduce costs and increase production efficiency will lead to mergers and mergers of American and foreign companies. Through mergers and merging, chemical companies can reduce repetitive tasks and departments, and move business to the lowest cost place, thereby increasing profits. It is expected that US companies will transfer some production activities to developing countries such as East Asia and Latin America to take advantage of the rapidly expanding market.
Fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices have affected the chemical manufacturing industry. Similarly, the price of chemical raw materials may be unstable, such as ethane or propane used in the production of petrochemicals, plastics, fertilizers and other products. Therefore, the price of chemical products will inevitably fluctuate, and the demand for chemical products will also fluctuate. If the prices of these inputs continue to be high, the demand for chemical products will decrease, and manufacturers will need to hire fewer workers; if the prices of inputs continue to fall, the opposite will happen.
Loading
