This report provides a detailed analysis of the U.S. plastics industry, examining its size, growth, geographic distribution, and economic influence. In 2023, the sector made a significant contribution, supporting over a million jobs and generating impressive shipments valued at $519 billion. Accounting for the suppliers to the industry reveals an even larger economic impact. Notably, Texas led the nation in plastics industry employment, while Indiana had the highest concentration of plastics industry workers. The industry’s growth in real value-added outpaced that of the entire manufacturing sector. The report also explores upstream and downstream effects and offers a two-year forecast of the industry’s outlook.
