Press release submitted on behalf of PLASTICS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis examining how the U.S. plastics industry is navigating macroeconomic growth, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising electricity costs. The analysis highlights continued resilience across the industry despite ongoing internal and external pressures affecting global markets, including tensions involving the Middle East and rising energy demand tied to AI infrastructure and manufacturing activity.
Dr. Pineda writes, “Overall, the U.S. plastics industry remains resilient amid a supportive macroeconomic and technological backdrop, even as it contends with geopolitical energy volatility and episodic cost pressures. The industry’s ability to navigate these internal and external shocks will help shape performance through the remainder of 2026.”
Click here to read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog.
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.