Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased Three Percent in March 2021

The operating rate for packaging papers & specialty packaging was 91.0 percent, down 2.2 points from March 2020 and up 0.6 points year-to-date.

April 16, 2021 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its March 2021 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report.

According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March increased three percent compared to March 2020. They were up three percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.

• The operating rate was 91.0 percent, down 2.2 points from March 2020 and up 0.6 points year-to-date.
• Mill inventories at the end of March decreased 10,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 6,000 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.

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