PaperAge Magazine

U.S. Containerboard Production Decreased 8.6 Percent in March 2019

WestRock containerboard The U.S. containerboard operating rate was 86.4 percent — 10.4 points lower than the same month last year and down 6.1 points year-to-date.

April 17, 2019 - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its March 2019 Containerboard Monthly report. According to the report, containerboard production decreased 8.6 percent compared to March 2018 and was down 3.9 percent year-to-date. The average daily production compared to February 2019 was 3.5 percent lower.

The containerboard operating rate was 86.4 percent — 10.4 points lower than the same month last year and down 6.1 points year-to-date.

Production for export bounced back from the lowest volume in nearly a decade back in February, but was nevertheless down 21.6 percent year-to-date.

The report can be purchased by contacting Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $300 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: AF&PA