Washington D.C.—The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released the Committee on Equipment Statistics’ (CES) report for the first quarter of 2025, authored by Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda. Amid ongoing uncertainty in global trade policy, the report highlights a growing confidence among committee members in the strength of market conditions over the next 12 months.
Dr. Pineda writes, “Amid evolving tariff rates and rollout timelines, U.S. plastics equipment imports rose 6.2% in the first quarter to $939.4 million, up 5.5% from the same period last year. Exports fell by 1.1% from the prior quarter to $325.3 million, marking an 18.6% decline compared to the same period last year.”
“In the first-quarter survey of CES members, 62% of respondents expected market conditions to remain steady or improve over the next 12 months—down from 83% in the previous quarter. However, 42% reported an increase in quoting activity, up from 31% in the prior survey,” he continues.
Click here to read the report.
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 $519 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.
