Extrusion International 1-2026-USA

29 Extrusion International 1/2026 Economic Analysis: Seven Charts Defining the U.S. Plastics Industry in 2025 The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis examining the key produc- tion, trade, employment, pricing, and capacity trends that shaped the U.S. plastics industry in 2025. Using seven core indicators, the analysis highlights how the industry navigated cyclical volatility, uneven tariff impacts, and shifting demand conditions while demonstrating both resilience and vulnerability amid a changing macro- economic environment. Dr. Pineda writes, “In 2025, the U.S. plastics industry navigated a year of pronounced cyclical volatility, shaped by shifts in production, shipments, employment, trade, and prices, all against the backdrop of higher tariffs. Plastics production and employment experienced uneven fluctuations, re - flecting supply-side constraints and demand–supply adjustments, while shipments continued to expand mod- estly, supported by underlying mac- roeconomic growth. Trade in molds and machinery showed mixed signals, with export values buoyed by higher tariffs and import patterns reflecting both price and quantity adjustments across equipment types. At the same time, plastics material and resin prices eased as inventories remained elevated, and capacity uti- lization diverged between conversion and resin manufacturing. Collectively, these trends illustrate an industry re- sponding to tariff pressures, cyclical demand shifts, and cost dynamics, highlighting both resilience and vul- nerability in 2025,” concluded Pineda. To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog: www.plasticsindustry.org/blog/ seven-charts-defining-the-us- plastics-industry-in-2025/ Supports Introduction of Recycling Technology Innovation Act Supported 
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released the following statement supporting Congress- man Crenshaw (R-TX) and Chairman Palmer’s (R-AL) introduction of the Recycling Technology Innovation Act, legislation that will provide regulatory clarity for advanced recycling technol- ogies. “The plastics industry is commit- ted to recycling more and keeping valuable materials in the circular economy – and advanced recycling technologies are essential to achiev- ing those goals,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics In- dustry Association. “Today, inconsis- tent interpretations of the Clean Air Act create regulatory uncertainty that slows investment and innovation. The Recycling Technology Innovation Act delivers much-needed clarity by ensuring advanced recycling is regu- lated as manufacturing and aligning federal policy with what most states already recognize. This commonsense approach strengthens U.S. manufac- turing, supports American jobs, and keeps valuable materials in our econ- omy and out of the environment.” www.smart-extrusion.com