Containerboard production, packaging shipments rise in June

Containerboard production and packaging papers shipments increased, while boxboard production remained flat in June compared with the same month in 2020, according to data released by the Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).

Total containerboard production in June increased 9 percent compared with the same month in 2020, and AF&PA says it was up 5 percent for the first six months of the year compared with the first six months of 2020.

According to AF&PA’s June 2021 Containerboard Monthly Report, the U.S. containerboard operating rate was at 92.7 percent in June, up 1.4 percentage points from June 2020 and up 1.4 percentage points year to date. However, containerboard production for export decreased 15 percent in June compared with the same month in 2020, and production for export is down 25 percent year to date.

AF&PA reports in its June 2021 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report that total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in June increased 3 percent in June compared with the same month in 2020, and shipments were up 2 percent for the first six months of the year compared with the first six months of 2020. AF&PA reports that the operating rate for packaging papers was at 90.2 percent in June, up 1.6 percent compared with June 2020 and up 5 percent year to date.

The association says boxboard production was flat in June compared with the same month in 2020. For the first six months of the year, boxboard production was also flat (down 0.2 percent) compared with the first six months of 2020.

According to AF&PA’s June 2021 Boxboard Monthly Report, the boxboard operating rate was 92.7 percent in June, down 1 percent from June 2020 and flat, up 0.4 percent, year to date.

However, AF&PA reports that recycled boxboard production in June increased 5 percent compared with the same month in 2020, and production is down 1 percent for the first six months of the year compared with the first six months of 2020.

Complete reports and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at statistics_publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.