The analysis by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) shows that 60 types of plastic products exported from the United States may be hit by retaliatory tariffs from the European Union (EU). These products are listed on the EU's potential target list as a countermeasure to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminum on March 12, 2025.

Resin and plastic products are one of the 1,708 products listed by the European Commission for possible countermeasures. On March 12, 2025, the European Commission issued a notice for information collection according to Regulation (EU) No. 354/2014, allowing stakeholders to submit their suggestions before March 26.

Tariffs will affect $5.9 billion in U.S. plastic exports

Based on the analysis by PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda, when eight-digit EU Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) levels are matched with corresponding six-digit U.S. HTS codes, the proposed EU tariffs are estimated to affect $5.9 billion of U.S. exports of plastic resins and products to the EU in 2024, as shown in the table below.

Pineda said: "Based on the $4.3 billion worth of the aforementioned resins and plastic products imported by the US from the EU in 2024, the countermeasures proposed by the European Commission put the potential $1.6 billion US trade surplus in 2024 at risk for 2025. Although the European Commission has not yet included plastic machinery and molds in its proposed countermeasures, US plastic machinery and mold manufacturers using steel and aluminum imported from the EU have already been affected by US tariffs," he added.

European Plastic Association issues warning on tariffs

Earlier this month, a European association representing the plastics industry issued a warning statement, pointing out the potential negative impact of tariffs on the supply chain, business expenses, and costs, affecting consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. "As key stakeholders in the European plastics industry, we urge the EU and the US to prioritize diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation of trade tensions," said the European Plastics Association.