Kemi is an industrial town dominated by pulp mills.
The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe (which supplies the Outokumpu ferrochrome plant in Tornio). A polytechnic university of applied sciences is also situated in Kemi.
In April 2007, the city of Kemi laid off all of its municipal workers for 2 weeks due to the failing economy of the city. Spiraling specialist health care costs and a fleeting industry tax base are stated as the cause for the vote. These are the most drastic temporary dismissals to take place in Finland since 2000
