<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE SECOND
QUARTER 2000 10-Q OF INTERNATIONAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUL-02-2000
<CASH> 13,112
<SECURITIES> 419,324
<RECEIVABLES> 92,380
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 148,515
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 793,280
<PP&E> 566,834
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,896,613
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 274,839
<BONDS> 813,699
0
0
<COMMON> 695
<OTHER-SE> 635,449
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,896,613
<SALES> 398,198
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 398,198
<CGS> 256,400
<TOTAL-COSTS> 256,400
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 40,915
<INCOME-PRETAX> 26,985
<INCOME-TAX> 9,454
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 17,531
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 17,531
<EPS-BASIC> .25
<EPS-DILUTED> .25
</TABLE>