Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 1% in March 2025

April 18, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the March 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March increased 1% compared to March 2024. They were down 1% when compared to the same 3 months of 2024.

The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 74.8%, essentially flat (+0.5 pts.) from March 2024 and essentially flat (-0.2 pts.) year-to-date.

Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers — bag & sack — were 113,400 short tons for the month of March, essentially flat (-0.4%) from the same month last year, and down 3.2% 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