Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Decreased 1% in January 2026

Feb. 17, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January decreased 1% compared to January 2025.

The total operating rate for the packaging papers segment was 80.7%, higher than both January 2025 and December 2025, but lower than the overall rate for 2025 (81.2%).

Unbleached multiwall shipments were up 6.9% from last January.

Imports of packaging papers were up nearly 6% in 2025 compared to 2024 based on the latest data available.

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 public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.

The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

SOURCE: AF&PA