U.S. Containerboard Production Increased 2.0 Percent in December 2019
The containerboard operating rate in December 2019 was 94.4 percent, up 0.6 points from December 2018 and down 4.8 points year-to-date.
Jan. 20, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2019 Containerboard Monthly Report. According to the report, total containerboard production in December increased two percent compared to December 2018 and was down four percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2018. December 2019 production of containerboard for export increased 11 percent compared to the same month last year; it was down 13 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 94.4 percent, up 0.6 points from December 2018 and down 4.8 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of December increased 3,000 short tons from the previous month and were essentially flat (+1,964 short tons) compared to December 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 |