PaperAge Magazine

Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased Three Percent in March 2020

specialty papers for packaging Mill inventories at the end of March decreased 3,000 short tons from the previous month, and were down 3,000 short tons compared to March 2019.

April 20, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its March 2020 Packaging Papers and Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in March increased three percent compared to March 2019. They were up one percent when compared to the same three months of 2019.

The operating rate was 92.6 percent, up 2.3 points from March 2019 and down 0.5 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories at the end of March decreased 3,000 short tons from the previous month, and were down 3,000 short tons compared to March 2019.

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