Washington, D.C. — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis showing that despite limited federal data availability due to the U.S. government shutdown, the nation’s automotive market remains fundamentally strong—supported by resilient consumer demand, steady production, and continued opportunities for plastics manufacturers.
Dr. Pineda explains, “The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has created significant hurdles for economists and analysts who depend on timely federal data. This is especially true in the automotive sector, where understanding motor vehicle demand and supply dynamics requires up-to-date statistics from agencies like the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the U.S. Census Bureau. With official releases stalled, piecing together a clear picture of light vehicle sales—encompassing automobiles and light trucks—over the past two months has become a patchwork effort. Despite these challenges, industry reports and alternative sources paint a picture of resilient demand, tempered by policy-driven fluctuations in electric vehicles (EVs) and fleet purchases.”
Click here to read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog.
About the Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
