3. Catalysis, today and tomorrow

3.1 Current state of catalysis

The development of the chemical industry is closely linked to that of industrial catalysis, with over 90% of chemical compounds now produced catalytically; the annual value of these products is estimated at between $2 and $4,000 billion. Catalyst sales are rising steadily, probably from $12 billion to $16 billion between 2003 and 2012. Industrial catalysis is particularly active in developed countries, contributing directly or indirectly to around a quarter of their gross national product