Midland, MI - December 08, 2005

The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), today declared a dividend of 33.5 cents per share, payable January 30, 2006, to shareholders of record on December 30, 2005.

This is the 377th consecutive cash dividend issued by Dow. Since 1912, Dow has paid its shareholders cash dividends every quarter and has either maintained or increased the quarterly dividend amount throughout that time.

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For Editorial Information:

Chris Huntley
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-2876