Total U.S. Containerboard Operating Rate Surged in 2Q 2026

U.S. containerboard operating rates for 3 of the 4 major grades increased in Q2, with unbleached Kraft liner in particular going up to 95.7%.

Aug. 3, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q2 2026 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, the total industry operating rate increased to nearly 95% for the quarter compared to 93% for the preceding quarter.

Total containerboard production in Q2 decreased 2% compared to Q2 2025. It was down 5% when compared to the same 6 months of 2025.

The operating rates for 3 of the 4 major grades increased in Q2, with unbleached Kraft liner in particular going up to 95.7%. Recycled medium was the only grade that had an essentially flat operating rate since Q1— down 0.1 points to 93.5%.
Domestic demand was up 1% compared to the same quarter last year, despite the aforementioned decrease in total production over the same period. Most of the production decline contributed to reduced exports, which were down nearly 19% since Q2 2025.
Mill inventories dropped to their lowest level in over 15 months at the end of June.

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 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