The U.S. plastics industry accounted for $147.5 billion in trade in 2025, coming in second in the Global Plastics Ranking, based on trade volume estimates across machinery, molds, materials and products.

The figures were released Nov. 13 in the Plastics Industry Association's (PLASTICS) 2026 Global Trends Report, which analyzes the U.S. plastics industry's trade performance in 2025 and provides a look ahead on the global plastics marketplace for 2026. The report analyzes exports, imports, trade balances, market shares, production and consumption.

Domestic shipments increased an estimated 1.2 percent in 2025 to $358.4 billion, with exports accounting for 20.5 percent of shipments. Mexico and Canada remained the largest export destinations for U.S. plastics, with exports totaling $19.2 billion and $13.5 billion, respectively; Mexico represented the industry's largest trade surplus at $10.8 billion, followed by Belgium and Brazil.

"The United States remains a global leader in plastics manufacturing and trade, supported by an industry that continues to innovate, compete and grow," said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS president and CEO. "American plastics manufacturers are strengthening supply chains, driving economic growth and meeting demand around the world. As the only comprehensive analysis of U.S. plastics trade with the rest of the world, the Global Trends Report underscores the strength of our industry and the opportunities ahead."

"For the plastics industry, the world is the market. Evolving trade patterns, economic conditions and investment decision continue to reshape global trade relationships and create new market opportunities," said Perc Pineda, PLASTICS chief economist.

"The United States' ability to maintain its second-place ranking reflects its significant role in international plastics trade. Its established relationships with major trading partners demonstrate the importance of international plastics trade to the industry's continued growth. Understanding these trends is essential for businesses navigating market shifts and identifying opportunities."

Machinery and mold making trends

According to the report, the U.S. plastics machinery industry recorded a $2.5 billion trade deficit in 2025, up from $2.3 billion in 2024. Exports fell 10.4 percent, and imports rose 1.9 percent. The largest surplus was with Mexico at $203 million; the largest deficit was with Germany at $926 million.

Apparent consumption of plastics machinery rose 6.4 percent, from $6.0 billion in 2024 to $6.4 billion in 2025, while domestic shipments increased 5.5 percent.

U.S. machinery producers held a 44.8 percent share of apparent consumption in 2025, up from 42.3 percent in 2024.

Plastics machinery exports dropped 12.1 percent in the first six months of 2026, while imports decreased 6.7 percent, leading to a 4.6 percent reduction in the machinery trade deficit.

Exports of molds for plastics also declined in the first half of 2026, by 17.4 percent, while imports fell 19.3 percent, resulting in a 19.9 percent decrease in the molds trade deficit.

In 2025, the U.S. moldmaking industry recorded a $1.4 billion trade deficit, up from $1.3 billion in 2024. Mold exports fell 4.0 percent, while imports rose 0.2 percent. Exports accounted for 18.6 percent of domestic shipments, while imports represented 71.7 percent.

Apparent consumption of molds for plastics rose 3.5 percent, from $3.8 billion in 2024 to $4.0 billion in 2025. U.S. moldmakers held a 53.2 percent market share of apparent consumption in 2025, up from 51.6 percent in 2024.