Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 7% in March 2026

April 20, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the March 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March increased 7% compared to March 2025. They were up 3% when compared to the same 3 months of 2025.

Total unbleached packaging paper shipments in March were at their highest level in over 2 years, with an operating rate that exceeded 90%.

Bleached packaging papers were also up in March, increasing 5.5% from the same month last year, but down year-to-date.

Total inventories were at their lowest compared to the last 13 months.

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