Plastic shipments up (March 14, 2005)

Statistics Canada industry data show strong growth in plastic industry shipments in 2004. Sub-sectors showing growth higher than the overall industry average were unsupported profiles, pipe and profile fittings, polystyrene foam products, urethane and other foam products, bottles and auto parts. Plumbing fixtures was the only sub-industry that showed a decline in shipments compared to 2003. Overall plastic shipments in 2004 accounted for $20.6 billion, a 6% increase over 2003. Imports increased 2.6%, while exports increased 0.9%.