PaperAge Magazine

Total U.S. Packaging Papers Shipments Down 1.2 Percent in March 2019

Packaging Paper - Multiwall bags and sacks In March, Bag & Sack shipments were down 1.0 percent year-to-date, while Multiwall shipments were up 1.7 percent.

April 17, 2019 - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its March 2019 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total Packaging Papers shipments were down 1.2 percent from March 2018 and essentially flat year-to-date.

In March:

  • Bag & Sack shipments were down 1.0 percent year-to-date;
  • Multiwall shipments were up 1.7 percent;
  • Food Wrapping shipments were up 1.5 percent;
  • Converting shipments were down 2.2 percent.

The operating rate for March increased to 90.5 percent compared to 89.5 percent in February. Inventories decreased 3.5 percent from February and were 8.0 percent lower than the same month last year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data 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