Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Essentially Flat in July 2023

Aug. 17, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the July 2023 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in July remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to July 2022. They were down 3% when compared to the same 7 months of 2022.

• Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers — bag & sack — were 89,400 short tons for the month of July, down 1.1% year-to-date.
• The bleached packaging papers operating rate was 78.0%, up 5.4 points from July 2022 and down 2.2 points year-to-date.

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.

About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: AF&PA