Total U.S. Boxboard Monthly Production Essentially Flat in March 2021

The boxboard operating rate was 94.0 percent, up 1.4 points from March 2020 and up 1.1 points year-to-date.

April, 19, 2021 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its March 2021 U.S. Boxboard Monthly report. According to the report, total boxboard production in March remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to March 2020. It was down two percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.

The boxboard operating rate was 94.0 percent, up 1.4 points from March 2020 and up 1.1 points year-to-date.

• Solid Bleached Boxboard production in March decreased four percent compared to March 2020. It was down four percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.
• Recycled Boxboard production in March decreased three percent compared to March 2020. It was down four percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.
• Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in March increased nine percent compared to March 2020. It was up three percent when compared to the same three months of 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.

NOTE: Beginning in 2021, AF&PA is publishing the Boxboard 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