Fine chemical industry is a general term for the production of fine chemicals. It is an integral part of the chemical industry and one of the most dynamic emerging fields in today's chemical industry, serving as a crucial component of new materials. Fine chemical products derived from petroleum as the basic raw material, considering their production processes and characteristics, differ from other sectors of the chemical industry in that they are produced in smaller quantities, come in a greater variety, have a wide range of uses, exhibit high industrial relevance, and involve a higher degree of technological intensity and added value. These products, due to their specialized functions, are used in specific or dedicated fields, undergo rapid updates and replacements; most are produced in batches; they possess functional or end-use properties: many are compounded products, where formulation technology determines product performance, among other characteristics. The products demand high quality; have strong commercial attributes, mostly sold under brand names; require continuous development of new products and research on application technologies, emphasizing technical services; and necessitate smaller investments in equipment. Hence, fine chemical products are also known as specialty chemicals.

The fine chemical industry directly serves numerous sectors of the national economy and various fields of high-tech industries. Vigorously developing the fine chemical industry has become a strategic focus for countries around the world to adjust the structure of the chemical industry, enhance the industrial level of the chemical industry, and expand economic benefits.

The ratio of the output value of the fine chemical industry to the total output value of the chemical industry has become an important indicator of the level of development and the level of chemical technology in a country or region.