Washington, D.C.; Mexico City, MX; Ottawa, CA – Representing the critical plastics industries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), Asociación Nacional de Industrias del Plástico, A.C. (ANIPAC), and Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) Plastics Division collectively express the vital role of North American trade in supporting the growth of plastics manufacturing, job creation, and regional economic stability, and the importance of maintaining a strong free trade environment.
North American trade is the backbone of a strong manufacturing economy, facilitating the seamless movement of essential raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished products that fuel industries such as healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and infrastructure. The plastics industry contributes significantly to innovation, economic growth, and sustainability, reinforcing the importance of strengthening and expanding robust trade partnerships between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The plastics industry is at the heart of manufacturing. The companies that we represent are integral to the North American economy, supporting millions of jobs and enabling the production of countless everyday products. In 2023, the trade volume in the plastics industry crossing the borders between the three countries was nearly $242 billion.
A strong regional trade alliance ensures access to cost-effective materials, enhances supply chain resilience, and boosts global competitiveness. North American trade partnerships enable manufacturers in a broad array of industries to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices, benefiting businesses and consumers. Without these critical trade relationships, the cost of production would rise, limiting economic growth and reducing consumer choice across all industries that are heavily reliant on plastics.
Our organizations support policies that strengthen North American trade, ensuring that manufacturers in our region continue to thrive in a competitive global economy. By working together, we can promote growth, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the economic well-being of the entire region. We strongly urge our respective governments to continue working together to maintain free trade in North America.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
The National Association of Plastics Industries (ANIPAC) represents the Plastics Industry, since its foundation in 1961; which represents around one million jobs and a production value of more than $447,000 million pesos. ANIPAC joins the entire supply chain including machinery and equipment, raw materials, processors and recyclers. ANIPAC promotes the competitiveness of the industry through actions that encourage the technological and sustainable development of the industry. It works to strengthen the industry around circularity, specialization, standardization and regulations at a national and international level regarding plastics.
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the association for leaders in Canada’s chemistry and plastic sectors. Chemistry and plastics are the fourth-largest sector in Canada – responsible for $109 billion in shipments in 2023 and employs 192,700 people. The Association represents nearly 120 members and partners across the country. We provide coordination and leadership on key issues including innovation, investment, plastics, taxation, health and safety, environment, and regulatory initiatives. CIAC members are audited against the ethics and principles of Responsible Care®, a UN-recognized sustainability initiative. In addition, the CIAC’s Plastics Division focuses on achieving a circular economy and represents the interests of the entire value chain, including resin producers, processors/converters, equipment suppliers, recyclers and brand owners.
