The National Association of Plastics Industries (ANIPAC) of Mexico has expressed its concern over the possibility that the United States may impose tariffs on the country, which could impact the plastic industry by up to 2 billion 255 million dollars, according to Raul Mendoza, director of the association.
Despite this risk, the plastics sector in Mexico maintains a growth expectation of 3% for this year. This growth will be driven by the demand for auto parts and the relocation of operations related to electric vehicle projects in the country. Raul Mendoza explained that a growth of 3% is expected, particularly driven by plastic auto parts and the relocation of operations in automotive industry projects for the manufacture of electric vehicles in Mexico.
The trade of plastics under the USMCA amounts to more than 242 billion dollars, while the value of the national plastic industry is 500 billion pesos. Marlene Fragoso Guillen, president of ANIPAC, emphasized the sector's commitment in the face of current challenges, focusing on competitiveness and sustainability.
According to Guillen, the plastic industry in Mexico is committed to education, awareness, innovation, technology, development, and collaboration with national and international organizations. She also mentioned the hope that authorities will make decisions that benefit the sector in the international arena.
Currently, the plastic industry in Mexico reports an annual production of 408 billion 470 million pesos, with a consumption of 6.8 million tons and a resin manufacturing of 3 million 369 thousand tons. It contributes 3.1% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of manufacturing and participates in 85% of the productive processes in the country.
In the commercial realm, Mexico imports 4.3 million tons of plastics with a value of 18 billion 647 million dollars and exports 2.77 million tons worth 9 billion 140 million dollars, generating a deficit of over 9 billion 507 million dollars. The United States is the main trading partner, representing 58% of imports and 75% of exports.
Regarding recycling, Mexico leads the continent in PET collection with 63% and records an average of 30% in other plastics. According to ANIPAC, the recovered material mainly comes from companies (38%), collection centers (27%), and dumps and scavenging (11%). Marlene Fragoso highlighted the importance of joining efforts between industry, society, and government to increase these figures.
