Are U.S. Plastics Molds Outperforming?

Yes they are, according to the SPI who has reported that in 2012 U.S. exports of plastics molds increased 16.4 percent, due to some of the top 10 import countries of U.S. plastics molds: Egypt, Sweden, Norway, Romania, Greece, St. Kitts-Nevis, Venezuela, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Guatemala.  According to SPI, this increase is notable due to the fact that plastic molds experienced a 2.3% decrease in 2011.  Since 2008, the plastics molds segment has only experienced a 4.6% increase in exports.

Seven of these top 10 countries averaged a 235% annual during the last five years and in 2012 averaged a 480% increase.  Egypt for instance has averaged a 331% annual increase during this same time frame, but in 2012 it experienced a 1047% jump in imports.

More of this type of industry data and analysis can be heard at the SPI 2013 Equipment & Moldmakers Summit May 5-7th: Leading Through a Climate of Change, including Michael Taylor, Senior Director, International Trade presenting an "Export 101 and Global Market Opportunities for Moldmakers".

This leadership summit will bring together C-level executives, key policymakers and business experts to address today’s pivotal issues impacting the bottom line of plastics suppliers in a rapidly changing business climate including: Healthcare Reform, Workforce Development, Tax Reform, Energy Savings, OSHA Regulation & Immigration Law, with keynote 2012 Presidential Candidate, Senator Rick Santorum.

Others program topics include:

• Healthcare Reform: How It Impacts Your Company
• Recruiting and Retention for Long Term Engagement
• Smartforce Development
• America’s Workforce Imperative:  A Manufacturing Training Strategy
• A Primer on Growing Your Own
• Answers to the Chaos of Managing People
• Superior Energy Management
• Taxes 2013 and Beyond