US resins surge in 2004.

US plastic resin growth surged in 2004 according to a report from the American Plastics Council (APC). Production and sales of US and Canadian resins reached all-time highs, fuelled by growth in the US and global economies.

According to recent year-end figures released by the APC Plastics Industry

The report states that in 2005, worldwide industrial and economic growth may be slightly above historical trend rates with strong growth in Central and Eastern Europe, China and Latin America, but growth below trend lines was observed in Western Europe.

North America may be nearing the trend, as business economists have suggested that US economic growth may exceed 3.5% in 2005. Industrial production may grow at an even stronger pace. The report concludes stating that, 'If history is any indicator, these expectations may bode well for the plastics industry too.' The 2004 figures are based on primary data for selected major plastics materials as compiled by VERIS Consulting, LLC, for APC's Plastics Industry Producers' Statistics (PIPS) group. APC is a national trade association representing 17 different UK resin producers.