U.S. Containerboard Production Increased Nine Percent in March 2021

The containerboard operating rate in March 2021 was 98.4 percent, up 2.8 points from March 2020 and essentially flat (-0.3 pts.) year-to-date.

April 16, 2021 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its March 2021 Containerboard Monthly report. According to the report, total containerboard production in March increased nine percent compared to March 2020. It was up two percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.

March 2021 production of containerboard for export decreased 15 percent compared to the same month last year; it was down 25 percent year-to-date.

The containerboard operating rate was 98.4 percent, up 2.8 points from March 2020 and essentially flat (-0.3 pts.) year-to-date.

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of March decreased 77,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 56,000 short tons compared to March 2020.

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.

REMINDER: Beginning in 2021, AF&PA is publishing the Containerboard reports on a quarterly basis; the reports will still contain the monthly data. Please contact comm@afandpa.org with questions.

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 AF&PA on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: AF&PA