The latest Plastics and Politics Live event tackled the growing tension over tariffs affecting the plastics industry. Recording below.
PN’s Washington-based Assistant Managing Editor Steve Toloken explained that industry leaders have expressed concern over proposed U.S. tariffs and potential European Union retaliation, which could raise costs and hinder investment — particularly targeting plastics machinery and polyethylene.
“Generally, the plastics and manufacturing groups, at least the ones in DC, have been very skeptical, very opposed to the tariffs that have been proposed,” arguing that they will raise costs, slow investment and threaten jobs, Toloken said.
The discussion also covered a recent U.S. Trade Representative report identifying EU and Canadian recycled-content rules as potential trade barriers. Broader topics included the global nature of plastics supply chains, the push to classify chemical recycling as manufacturing, and state-level extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, with Maryland recently passing one.
Also, Toloken also highlighted how the Association of Plastic Recyclers has warned that cheap imported recycled resin could threaten domestic recyclers.
The next Plastics in Politics Live is scheduled for Monday, April 12.