Reports from the American Forest & Paper Association for Containerboard, Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging and Boxboard have been published.
Containerboard
Production was up 3.2% YOY and up 1.9% YTD. The operating rate was 96.0%, or 1.4% points lower YOY. Exports increased 5.2% and were up 0.9% YTD.
Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging
Packaging Papers shipments were essentially flat YOY, and were up 2.8% YTD.
Boxboard monthly production decreased 0.8% YOY, but increased 1.2% from the previous month.
Containerboard
Production was up 3.2% YOY and up 1.9% YTD. The operating rate was 96.0%, or 1.4% points lower YOY. Exports increased 5.2% and were up 0.9% YTD.
Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging
Packaging Papers shipments were essentially flat YOY, and were up 2.8% YTD.
- Bag & Sack shipments were up 5.3% YTD,
- Multiwall shipments were up 0.3%,
- Converting shipments were up 1.0%,
- Food Wrapping shipments were up 2.5%,
- The operating rate dropped to 89.5% compared to 95.6% the previous month,
- Inventories increased 7.1% compared to the previous month, but were 1.7% lower YOY.
Boxboard monthly production decreased 0.8% YOY, but increased 1.2% from the previous month.
- Total boxboard operating rate was 96.3% for November,
- Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production was up 2.2% YTD,
- Recycled Boxboard production declined 2.2% YTD,
- Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum rose 2.1% YTD.