The U.S. resin market is entering a new era of cost pressure. Actually, we’re in the midst of it, reasonably speaking.
With tariffs of 10–25% imposed on imported plastics and engineering resins from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico, many manufacturers are reevaluating their sourcing strategies.
For OEMs, molders, and procurement teams, the difference between domestic and imported resins in 2025 could mean the difference between protecting margins or facing unexpected cost spikes.
Polymer Resources, with all manufacturing based in the United States, delivers a cost-stable, tariff-free solution that ensures better pricing predictability. But that’s not the case across the industry.
Today, we’ll explore the impact the current tariff climate is having and what it means for a variety of consumer industries and executives tasked with purchasing resins.
Understanding the Tariff Impact on Engineering Resins
Our logical first step is to delve into a basic understanding of what’s happening in the environment.
Simply put: Over the past several months, the U.S. government has expanded tariffs on imported goods, including engineering plastics. We’re confident you’ve seen tariffs making the news, but you may not be entirely aware of the specifics involved with resins.
In early 2025, the U.S. enacted broad import tariffs: 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% on imports from China, layering on top of pre-existing trade duties. These import duties now amount to substantial cost surcharges for foreign resin suppliers and their customers.
Several supply chains have already responded. For example, price inflation linked to tariffs is increasingly being passed from manufacturers to end consumers, contributing to a broader wave of cost-push inflation across U.S. markets.
Which Resins Are Most Affected by Import Tariffs?
We know international resins are feeling the heat of tariffs. Now, let’s break things down by specifics.
Polycarbonate (PC)
At about 70% domestic production, the North American PC market remains largely insulated from tariffs, meaning price volatility is limited even amid tariff pressure.
While PC supply remains stable, other resins tell a different story. Let’s look at which are most vulnerable to tariff pressure.
ABS Resin
With 35–40% of supply imported, ABS is significantly affected. Tariffs on imported ABS translate into notable cost increases, giving domestic suppliers a competitive edge.
Nylon 6 & Nylon 66
Production of Nylon 66 is strong domestically, but reliance on imported Nylon 6 remains moderate. Tariffs increase the risk for buyers dependent on foreign nylon supplies.
PBT & Specialty Resins
North America imports around 70% of PBT demand, making these materials very sensitive to tariff-driven price fluctuations.
Blends & Compounds (e.g., PC/ABS, PC/ASA, PPE blends)
Imported compound blends face the same tariff penalties as their base resin components. By contrast, manufacturers like Polymer Resources can avoid these tariffs through in-country compounding.
How Tariffs Reshape Sourcing in Key Industries
Consumer Goods
The consumer goods sector is highly price sensitive, especially in areas like internal and external housings, HVAC components, and FDA-compliant applications.
When imported resins face tariff surcharges of 10–25%, the economics of these products shift dramatically. And not for the better.
For OEMs and molders, a sudden increase of $0.20–$0.30 per pound in resin costs can make the difference between a competitive product and one that is priced out of the market. By sourcing domestically from suppliers like Polymer Resources, consumer goods manufacturers can protect against cost volatility while ensuring consistent performance and regulatory compliance.
Polymer Resources provides FDA-compliant, domestically manufactured compounds that help brands stay competitive.
Medical Devices
Non-invasive and diagnostic medical devices must meet stringent FDA and ISO requirements.
In this industry, consistency, certification, and supply reliability matter just as much as cost.
Tariffs on imported resins not only raise prices but can also complicate compliance if sourcing shifts between suppliers. Domestic production helps eliminate these risks. Polymer Resources’ U.S.-made medical-grade engineering resins give device manufacturers a predictable, tariff-free supply chain while adhering to strict healthcare standards.
By sourcing from a U.S. partner, OEMs gain not just compliance, but tariff-free stability.
Transportation
The transportation industry — spanning automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, and marine — relies on engineering resins for critical components such as battery housings, lighting systems, and structural parts. Tariffs increase the cost of imported materials, directly affecting the bottom line for OEMs that already operate in a highly competitive, margin-sensitive market. By sourcing from a domestic supplier, transportation manufacturers can avoid unpredictable tariff costs, reduce shipping expenses, and ensure on-time delivery for just-in-time production environments.
Building & Construction
Large-scale construction projects require materials with specific performance additives, such as UV stability, flame retardancy, and impact resistance. Imported engineering resins used in building applications are especially vulnerable to tariff-driven cost spikes, which can cascade across multi-phase projects and inflate budgets. Domestic resin suppliers like Polymer Resources provide tariff-free, custom-formulated compounds, helping builders and contractors stay on budget while still meeting rigorous performance and safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are all resins subject to U.S. tariffs in 2025?
Not all. Common commodity resins like polyethylene and polypropylene have sometimes been exempted, but engineering resins such as ABS, Nylon 6/66, and PBT face significant tariffs, particularly when imported from China, Canada, or Mexico.
How much can tariffs increase resin costs?
A 10% tariff has historically added about $0.10–$0.23 per pound to resin pricing. At 25%, the increase could be closer to $0.30–$0.40 per pound, depending on the material and supply chain.
Why do domestic resins cost less under current tariffs?
Resins manufactured in the U.S. are not subject to import duties, so their prices don’t include the 10–25% surcharge that international suppliers must pass along to customers.
Which industries are most affected by resin tariffs?
Industries with heavy reliance on engineering resins—such as consumer goods, medical devices, transportation, and construction feel the impact most. These sectors use materials like ABS, Nylon, and flame-retardant blends that are often imported.
What makes Polymer Resources different from global resin suppliers?
Polymer Resources manufactures and compounds all resins in the United States, eliminating tariff surcharges, reducing lead times, and offering custom formulations tailored to OEM and molder requirements.
Conclusion: Choosing Cost-Stable Resins in a Tariff-Heavy Market
The 2025 tariff environment makes imported resins less predictable and more expensive. For procurement and engineering teams, domestic sourcing is no longer just a patriotic choice — it’s a strategic business decision.
By working with Polymer Resources, OEMs and molders gain tariff-free materials, dependable supply, and the flexibility of custom formulations. In a global market shaped by tariffs and supply chain risk, U.S.-made resins offer the clearest path to cost savings and stability.