The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released an official analysis of third-quarter trade data on recyclable plastics materials, authored by PLASTICS Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda. The Plastics Industry Association regularly compiles comprehensive trade data on recyclable plastics materials, specifically the Recyclable Plastics Materials Quarterly Trade Statistics, produced for the PLASTICS Recycling Committee. These statistics, updated quarterly based on data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, serve as a valuable resource for understanding the use of recycled plastics within the United States.
Within the realm of recyclable plastics materials, the sheer volume of trade, in millions of kilograms, offers a more accurate depiction of the actual exchange between the U.S. and its trading partners. While acknowledging the significance of the dollar value in trade, it’s essential to recognize that inflationary impacts can potentially distort the overall trade figures.
Examining the third-quarter trade data on recyclable plastics materials unveils several noteworthy trends within the U.S. plastics industry. The sector has notably amplified its recycling efforts and augmented its importation of recyclable plastics materials. Remarkably, the U.S. was a net importer of recyclable plastics materials: 14.7 million kilograms (kgs) equivalent to $15.6 million.
Comparing figures, third-quarter exports of recyclable plastics materials totaled 102.1 million kgs, reflecting a 5.9% decline from the second quarter and a 2.8% drop from the previous year. Conversely, imports surged to 116.8 million kgs in the third quarter, indicating an 8.5% increase from the preceding quarter and a 5.2% rise from the third quarter of 2022.