WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis examining the continued resilience of the U.S. automotive industry, a key end market for plastics. Despite tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty and energy-cost pressures, the analysis shows that vehicle demand, production and new orders remain firm.
Dr. Pineda writes, “For now, the data point to resilience rather than deterioration. Sales remain above 16 million units, new-vehicle price increases are moderate, motor vehicle orders are growing, assemblies have returned to levels last seen in 2023, and North American production is edging higher. The longer-term challenge is whether the industry can maintain competitiveness while managing tariffs, global supply-chain exposure, energy costs, and productivity.”
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.
