美塑料行业今年预计减岗降产

Core Viewpoint - The American plastics industry is expected to face a decline in employment by 1.1% and a decrease in product shipments by 0.5% by 2025 due to uncertainties in tariffs and trade policies [1] Group 1: Employment and Shipment Projections - By 2025, employment in the U.S. plastics industry is projected to decrease by 1.1% [1] - Product shipments in the plastics sector are expected to decline by 0.5% [1] Group 2: Causes of Industry Challenges - The chief economist of PLASTICS, Percy Pineda, attributes the slowdown in manufacturing growth to the uncertainty caused by high tariffs and unpredictable new tariff policies [1] - The ongoing trade disputes are not expected to remain unresolved in the long term, as the global trade environment cannot sustain high costs for steel and aluminum, which are critical raw materials for the plastics industry [1] Group 3: Tariff Implications - The U.S. has expanded the scope of Section 232 tariffs to include imported plastic machinery and molds, adding pressure on the plastics industry [1] - There is a potential for further escalation of tariff pressures, as the U.S. Department of Commerce has restarted the process for including more products with steel and aluminum components under Section 232 tariffs [1] Group 4: Industry Response and Future Outlook - PLASTICS argues that imported plastic machinery and related materials should be considered essential inputs for manufacturing rather than ordinary taxable goods [1] - Looking ahead to 2026, Pineda anticipates more trade negotiations that could alleviate current uncertainties affecting manufacturing, with a projected shipment growth of only 1.3% and a slight employment increase of 0.5% [1] - The current tariff regime aims to encourage domestic companies to replace imports with domestic products and materials, which could benefit the U.S. plastics manufacturing sector if successful [1]