Bill Wood

Economics Editor Bill Wood: "I have taken a hard look at the recent data, analyzed the predominant trends and can state with an elevated level of confidence that the market and economic gyrations resulting from the policies initiated by the Donald Trump administration will extend at least into the next few months. And there is a rising possibility the commotion will persist much longer than that."

In the March 25 Numbers that Matter Live, Bill Wood discussed the growing U.S. trade deficit in goods — which jumped from $100 billion to over $150 billion in just one month — and its implications for the plastics industry.

Recent data highlights a historic spike in the U.S. trade deficit, fueling economic uncertainty and concerns about the long-term effectiveness of current policy measures.

Bill Wood breaks down the economic outlook heading into a major policy shift, as sweeping new tariffs are set to take effect on April 2 under President Donald Trump. Wood emphasizes the uncertainty ahead, saying no one can predict how the market will react once the tariffs are in place.

The U.S. plastics industry is off to a rough start in 2025, with production declining as demand weakens Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood points out in this free video. A slowdown in the auto and housing sectors is driving the downturn, while manufacturers increasingly turn to alternative materials like glass and paper. With economic uncertainty ahead, the industry faces ongoing challenges.

Some key economic indicators for the North American plastics industry are trending down to start 2025, Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood noted in the February Numbers That Matter Live.

Bill Wood: "One of the main sectors of the economy that is in the middle of all of this tariff debate is the U.S. motor vehicle industry. By a wide margin, the analyses I have read so far about the effects of tariffs on the domestic motor vehicle industry have been negative. I tend to agree with this."

In the January Numbers that Matter editorial livestream, PN Economics Editor Bill Wood went into detail about the risks and opportunities facing North American plastics companies, starting with the potential for higher inflation because of rising energy, raw material and labor costs. 

President Donald Trump is off to an aggressive start, particularly when it comes to economic policy. Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood expects volatility in the coming months but it's still too early to tell how Trump will impact specific plastic markets. Wood takes one last look at 2024, and December's numbers showed a healthy uptick in motor vehicle sales, boosting retail overall.

Bill Wood: "I am tired of writing about [inflation], and you are undoubtedly tired of reading about it. ... I do not make the trends; I just identify and analyze them."

Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood takes a look at the big fiscal issues facing the United States in general as it enters 2025 and specific concerns for the plastics industry.

Bill Wood: "Barring an unforeseen catastrophe, the U.S. economy will enter 2025 with solid momentum."

Bill Wood: "Now that we are past the election, it is time for me to offer a few politically tinged opinions on behalf of U.S. manufacturers and anyone else who relies upon the U.S. economy for their livelihoods."