Total U.S. Boxboard Production Remained Essentially Flat in Q2 2025

The U.S. boxboard operating rate in Q2 2025 was 87.6%, down 1.8 points from the same quarter last year.

July 25, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q2 2025 Boxboard Quarterly report on July 25. According to the report, total Boxboard production in Q2 remained essentially flat compared to Q2 2024. The boxboard operating rate was 87.6%, down 1.8 points from the same quarter last year.

• Solid Bleached Boxboard - Domestic production in Q2 increased 6% compared to Q2 2024.
• Plate, Dish & Tray - Domestic production increased 10% compared to Q2 2024.
• Uncoated Recycled Boxboard unmade orders were up 4% compared to the end of the previous quarter.

A subscription to 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