en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) program of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) provides key information to support business decisions for companies in the plastics equipment market by integrating multidimensional data, including manufacturing activity, trade trends, investment patterns, and end-market performance. PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda shared insights into the committee's operations and its Cross Sector Analysis (CSA) report, as well as perspectives on current equipment market trends.
As the only statistical program of its kind for plastic equipment in North America, CES offers participating companies a unique market perspective. Members can access equipment statistics, economic analysis, trade data, end-market indicators, and equipment-specific forecasts through the quarterly Cross Sector Analysis (CSA) report. Pineda noted that equipment is the backbone of plastics manufacturing, and examining the equipment sector provides insights not only into the machinery market itself but also into the manufacturing industries that rely on plastics. Since equipment purchases typically precede production growth, CES data can signal broader manufacturing trends and end-market demand in advance.
A distinctive feature of the CSA report is its forecasting capability. Participants not only learn about their quarterly operating results and how they compare to historical data but also receive forecasts for different equipment categories to support planning for the next quarter and the following 12 months. Pineda cautioned that monthly and quarterly data can be volatile, and companies should focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations. Data from the first quarter of 2026 shows a general decline in new orders for major equipment categories, mixed shipment performance, and a softening in respondents' business expectations.
Trade policy continues to play a significant role in the analysis. Pineda stated that trade has been a dominant theme over the past few quarters, and since the industry uses imported equipment and components to supplement domestic production, trade policies and tariff changes directly impact equipment business activities. For companies facing an uncertain market environment, access to reliable market data is increasingly important. Understanding the difference between short-term fluctuations and long-term trends can help make more informed decisions and prepare for future growth. Pineda emphasized that information is key—the more information a company has, the better its market positioning. He summarized the value of the CSA report as "business intelligence at your fingertips" and offered direct advice to companies considering participating in CES: "Success begins with making a decision."
