TRADE SHOW REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 01+02/23 www.petpla.net 40 Market developments in the plastics industry and the NPE 2024 Mr Seaholm opened the press conference and referred, among other things, to the Association’s future strategy in which sustainability and the circular economy, promoting the importance and indispensability of plastics and the involvement of political decision-makers in reinforcing a positive image of plastics would have a prominent role. “Overall, the opportunities for the industry and the Association could outweigh present-day challenges. Plastics is the sixth largest industry in America and we as an Association, with our sound strategy and thought leadership, can be the voice of this industry, as well as continuing to improve our services to the sector,” said Mr Seaholm. Dr Pineda presented the highlights of his Global Trends 2022 report. For the first time since 1997, the US plastics industry recorded a trade deficit of US$10.1 billion in 2021, with US$81.5 billion in imports and US$71.3 billion in exports. Half of all imports came from China (30%) and Canada (20%), followed by Mexico in third place with 8.8%. In terms of exports, Mexico was in first place with 25.2%, just ahead of Canada with 21% and China with 8.7%. Referring to the figures, Pineda drew attention to the top five external balance countries, with Mexico in first place in terms of surplus and China for deficit. He explained: “The industry recorded a trade surplus of nearly US$11 billion with Mexico in 2021 whilst having a deficit of US$18.2 billion with China. However, this was partially offset by a trade surplus in resin of US$2.6 billion”. Trading in US plastics machinery also showed a deficit of US$1.2 billion in the first half of 2022 (US$600 million in exports versus US$1.8 billion in imports) while trade in moulds totalled US$1.5 billion (US$533.8 million in exports versus US$ 2.04 billion in imports). In the global top 10 rankings for trade in plastic goods, China came first with US$229.6 billion in 2021, followed by the USA with US$164.6 billion and Germany with US$141.2 billion. “Inflation has been a major contributory factor to the increase in the dollar value of exports”, Pineda added. “Although this year’s outlook for commodity trading may fall short of expectations given the slowdown in world economic growth, demand in the global plastics market is continuing unabated”. The first half of 2022 saw US plastics exports grow by 16.9% compared to the first half of last year, while imports rose by 17%, with a 17.4% increase in the balance of trade. Plastics foresees potential risks for trade in plastics in 2023, although international trade remains part of the overall growth strategy for 2022 and beyond. Mr Seaholm highlighted the USA’s second place in the top 10 rankings and commenting on the figures said: “The fact that our Global Trends report expects positive results for our industry despite an increased trade deficit speaks to the importance of plastics to the world we live in”. Finally, Mr Anderson spoke about what to expect at the upcoming NPE in 2024. He explained that the trade fair would have two dedicated fora for trending topics and innovations for training and professional development purposes, as well as specialist workshops, two outdoor recycling and sustainability demonstrations and guided sustainability tours. In addition to the regular exhibitor stands, there will also be seven specialist areas known as “Technology Zones”. These are the Bottle Zone, Advanced Manufacturing, Business Solutions, Materials Science, Packaging, Mould-making and Recycling and Sustainability. “As of October 19, 2022 we have received 564 registrations for the trade fair”, said Mr Anderson. A total of 39,500m2 of space has been requested so far. 52% of all applications have come from 295 Association members and 26% (144) from international exhibitors. 33% of exhibitors have asked for stand space in one of the Technology Zones. www.plasticsindustry.org On October 20, 2022, the Plastics Industry Association (Plastics) held a press conference at the K’ trade fair. As well as the latest news from the Association, there were discussions on the global development of the plastics industry during a pandemic, supply chains and changing import/ export behaviour, together with a look ahead to the North American plastics trade fair NPE taking place in 2024. Matt Seaholm, President and CEO, Dr Perc Pineda, Chief Economist and Glenn Anderson, COO, gave presentations on various topics and answered questions from those present. Dr Perc Pineda presents the PIA’s Plastics 2022 Global Trends report.
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