Extrusion International 2-2025-USA

33 Extrusion International 5/2022 www.smart-extrusion.com North American Plastics Industry Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Trade for Manufacturing Growth and Economic Stability Across the Continent Representing the critical plastics industries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, The Plastics Industry Asso- ciation (PLASTICS), Asociación Na- cional de Industrias del Plástico, A.C. (ANIPAC), and Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) Plas- tics Division collectively express the vital role of North American trade in supporting the growth of plastics manufacturing, job creation, and regional economic stability, and the importance of maintaining a strong free trade environment. North American trade is the back- bone of a strong manufacturing economy, facilitating the seam- less movement of essential raw materials, intermediate goods, and nished products that fuel in - dustries such as healthcare, auto- motive, consumer goods, and in- frastructure. The plastics industry contributes signi cantly to innova - tion, economic growth, and sustain- ability, reinforcing the importance of strengthening and expanding robust trade partnerships between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The plastics industry is at the heart of manufacturing. The companies that we represent are integral to the North American economy, support- ing millions of jobs and enabling the production of countless everyday products. In 2023, the trade volume in the plastics industry crossing the borders between the three coun- tries was nearly $242 billion. A strong regional trade alliance ensures access to cost-effective materials, enhances supply chain resilience, and boosts global com- petitiveness. North American trade partnerships enable manufacturers in a broad array of industries to de- liver high-quality products at afford- able prices, bene ting businesses and consumers. Without these criti- cal trade relationships, the cost of production would rise, limiting eco- nomic growth and reducing consum- er choice across all industries that are heavily reliant on plastics. This organizations support poli- cies that strengthen North Ameri- can trade, ensuring that manufac- turers in our region continue to thrive in a competitive global econ- omy. By working together, they can promote growth, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the economic well-being of the entire region. It is urgently requested the respective governments to continue working together to maintain free trade in North America. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) www.plasticsindustry.org The National Association of Plastics Industries (ANIPAC) https://anipac.org.mx/ The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) https://canadianchemistry.ca/ Analysis Released: Impact of EU Retaliatory Tariffs on the Plastics Industry The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released an of cial analysis, authored by Chief Econo- mist Dr. Perc Pineda, examining the potential impact of the European Union’s proposed retaliatory tar- iffs on the U.S. plastics industry. Dr. Pineda writes, “The European Com- mission has identi ed 1,708 prod - ucts for possible countermeasures, including 60 resin and plastic prod- ucts at the 8-digit EU Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) level. When matched to the corresponding 6-digit U.S. HTS codes, the proposed EU tariffs are estimated to impact $5.9 billion in U.S. plastics resin and product exports to the EU, based on 2024 export values.” To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ blog/the-eu-considers-targeting-u-s- plastics-in-response-to-u-s-steel-and- aluminum-tariffs/ Dr. Perc Pineda