Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Decreased 5 Percent in October
Nov. 15, 2019 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2019 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in October decreased five percent compared to October 2018. They were down six percent when compared to the same ten months of 2018. The operating rate was 89.9 percent, down 3.4 points from October 2018 and down 5.4 points year-to-date. The operating rate in October increased 5.9 percent from September 2019. Mill inventories at the end of October decreased 6,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 2,000 short tons compared to October 2018. The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716. 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 |