February 3, 2025 14:57

The new Trump administration recently announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico to the United States, while increasing tariffs on China by an additional 10%. No similar measures have yet been communicated regarding the European Union.

In response to this trade policy, the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) expressed concern about the potential impact these tariffs could have on U.S. plastics manufacturing and jobs within the sector.

"While we understand President Trump’s rationale," stated Matt Seaholm, president of the association, "a blanket tariff policy could have significant economic consequences, disrupting the movement of essential machines, products and materials that keep American manufacturers running."
"A competitive industry requires policies that protect high-quality jobs and ensure stable supply chains across sectors like healthcare, consumer products and automotive. A strategic, measured approach to trade is critical to strengthening—not inadvertently harming—U.S. industry," he added.

According to PLASTICS, in 2023, U.S. plastics exports—which could now face retaliatory tariffs—totaled $74.2 billion, surpassing imports ($73.3 billion) and resulting in a $958 million trade surplus.
The association emphasized that the new tariffs targeting key trading partners threaten supply chains, increase costs and risk eroding the trade surplus that the U.S. plastics industry has built over the years.

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