Video

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.

North American polypropylene resin prices continued their upswing in early 2025, moving up an average of 4 cents per pound in February.

Borealis and Borouge are merging and also acquiring Nova Chemicals in a deal that will establish the world’s fourth-largest polyolefins player. The deal will enhance the company’s feedstock position, giving it more capacity in the Middle East and North America. 

Nova Chemicals and Novolex are getting ready to open a mechanical recycling facility for plastic film in Connersville, Ind.

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.

In this week’s Material Insights, Plastics News senior reporter Frank Esposito talks about the market forces that may spell higher prices for polyethylene, polypropylene, PET and polystyrene resins.

Recycled HDPE resin prices saw a notable increase at the start of 2025. Reporter Bridget Janis said industry experts are attributing the surge to growing demand, particularly in the packaging sector, as companies push to meet higher recycled-content goals. Export activity has also played a role in the price movement.

In January, prices for several commodity resins, including polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, increased in North America despite weak demand. According to senior reporter Frank Esposito, market demand didn't support the increase and resin producers could be positioning for further price increases in the coming months.

The plastics industry is sounding the alarm on the impact of tariffs on supply chains and markets. In the January Polymer Points Live, PN senior reporter Frank Esposito talked about tariffs and resin pricing.