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2026-2027 Economic Outlook

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Economic Outlook 2026–2027, published by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, examines the U.S. and global economic trajectory through 2026–2027 using real‑time indicators, long‑run series, and leading‑indicator forecasts assembled as of April 2026. The analysis indicates a slower, uneven expansion with persistent cost pressures and shifting composition of growth; focus areas include inflation and interest‑rate regimes, labor availability and wage dynamics, and energy and productivity constraints—highlighting implications from data‑center demand to AI adoption and housing misalignment. Charts highlight sector contrasts and benchmark trends across regions, and emerging patterns show margin squeeze despite continued revenue growth. The report reveals where business leaders are prioritizing investments to strengthen operational resilience.

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2026-2027 Economic Outlook

Why Download This Report?

  • Analyze packaging machinery investment trends amid shifting inflation and interest rates
  • See how packaging input costs affect paperboard, materials, and pricing dynamics
  • Explore shifts in machinery utilization and capital expenditure across packaging sectors
  • Identify trends in materials supply-chain resilience and packaging component shortages
  • Assess sustainability mandates' impact on packaging design, materials, and costs
$42 billion
Approximate level of U.S. private data center construction reported for the annual data trend.
1.2
Unemployed persons per job opening in the United States labor market, approximately.
2–4%
Range in which U.S. inflation is expected to stabilize through at least 2028.

Questions This Report Answers

  • Which strategic actions should business leaders prioritize during a slower, uneven economic expansion?
  • How is rapid data center expansion driving electricity demand and industrial cost pressures?
  • Can artificial intelligence adoption effectively offset structural labor shortages and rising wage pressures?
  • What impact does household income bifurcation have on consumer spending and retail demand?
  • Why are manufacturing companies experiencing margin compression despite steady top-line revenue growth?

Published by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies in June 2026. Based on ITR Economics’ proprietary leading‑indicator forecasts, real‑time and long‑term economic data (BEA, BLS, FRB, US Census Bureau, SIFMA, World Bank), cross‑sector secondary analysis, and materials from the ITR presentation collected through April 2026.

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Questions?

Please contact Rebecca Marquez, Director, Custom Research, PMMI at rmarquez@pmmi.org