PaperAge Magazine

U.S. Containerboard Production Essentially Flat in July 2020

WestRock containerboard The containerboard operating rate in July was 89.4 percent, down 1.6 points from July 2019 and up 3.1 points year-to-date.

Aug. 18, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its July 2020 Containerboard Monthly report. According to the report, total containerboard production in July remained essentially flat (-0.2 percent) compared to July 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019.

July 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased seven percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 28 percent year-to-date.

The containerboard operating rate was 89.4 percent, down 1.6 points from July 2019 and up 3.1 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of July decreased 7,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 67,000 short tons compared to July 2019.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman: 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