Extrusion International 4-2025-USA

32 Extrusion International 4/2025 32 INDUSTRY NEWS Economic Analysis: U.S. GDP Growth Signals Benefit for Plastics Industry PLASTICS Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis exploring the im- pact of the latest U.S. GDP data and the positive benefits for the plastics industry, particularly in packaging and automotive manufacturing. “The U.S. economy’s 3.0% ex- pansion in the second quarter is a welcome development for mature industries like plastics,” writes Dr. Pineda. “With consumer spending remaining resilient and investment in industrial equipment on the rise, the plastics sector is poised to ben- efit from increased demand across key markets, including packaging and automotive manufacturing.” To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog. https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ blog/u-s-gdp-rebounds-what-it-means- for-the-plastics-industry/ Economic Analysis: U.S.–UK Trade Deal Bolsters Industry’s Global Competitiveness Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has re - leased a new economic analysis highlighting the enduring strength of the U.S. plastics trade surplus with the United Kingdom, and the implications of the emerging U.S.– UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) for the plastics industry. Dr. Pineda writes, “In 2023, the U.S. recorded a $296.5 million plas- tics trade surplus with the UK, a trend that continues in 2024 with a preliminary surplus of $451.9 mil- lion. This growth is driven largely by strong exports in resin and plastic products.” He continues, “The EPD offers meaningful market access and trade stability, while sector-specific provi - sions—such as tariff-rate adjust- ments tied to automotive manufac- turing—create favorable conditions for continued plastics trade. These developments highlight how stra- tegic trade agreements can protect U.S. industry advantages and spur opportunities in both manufactur- ing and exports.” To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ blog/strong-u-s-plastics-surplus-as-uk- trade-deal-emerges/ Economic Analysis – Tariffs, Inflation, and Plastics The Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analy- sis examining the impact of shifting global trade dynamics. As ongoing trade negotiations continue to cre- ate uncertainty, Dr. Pineda’s report explores how global trade policies are influencing consumer prices and the potential implications for the U.S. plastics industry and the broad- er manufacturing sector. “The analysis underscores the complexity of how tariffs influ- ence inflation, highlighting that their effects are neither immedi- ate nor uniform across sectors,” Dr. Pineda writes. “While some categories show modest price increases, others remain stable or even decline, reflecting the interplay of supply chain struc- tures, demand conditions, and strategic business responses. In industries like plastics, where do - mestic production capacity exists, price pressures have remained contained despite evolving trade policies. Ultimately, the inflation - ary impact of tariffs depends less on their nominal rate and more on how businesses choose to absorb, pass on, or strategically manage those costs in a competi- tive market environment.” To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ blog/tariffs-inflation-and-plastics-untan - gling-the-price-effects/ Economic Analysis: Housing Market Slump Impacts Plastics Manufacturing The Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic anal- ysis examining the impact of the housing market on plastics manu- facturing. “The housing market’s persis- tent weakness, marked by declin - ing housing starts and sluggish new single-family home sales, continues to cast a shadow over industrial pro- duction, particularly in the plastics Perc Pineda