Quarterly Economic Outlook: Planning for 2nd Quarter 2018, published by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, examines macro and industry production trends using leading indicators and sector data through late 2017 into early 2018. The analysis indicates business-cycle timing and capital-planning implications across three focus areas: management objectives and capex guidance; sector production and supply-chain readiness such as food and chemicals; and workforce and operational preparedness including hiring and training. Charts highlight regional benchmarks from the US to Canada, Europe and Southeast Asia, and emerging patterns show growth peaking mid‑2018 before slowing, suggesting prudent budgeting and selective investment. The report reveals where operations and supply‑chain leaders are prioritizing investments to strengthen operational resilience.
Published by PMMI with analysis by ITR Economics in April 2018. Based on secondary analysis of national and industry economic datasets (industrial production indices, GDP, PMI, CPI) and proprietary ITR Economics leading indicators for the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia collected through December 2017 (Canada data through November 2017).
