Containerboard, boxboard production declines in November 2019

Both containerboard and boxboard production declined slightly in November compared with November 2018, according to the American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA’s) November 2019 Containerboard Monthly report and its November 2019 Boxboard Monthly report.

Total containerboard production in November decreased 1 percent compared with November 2018, according to AF&PA, which is based in Washington. Overall containerboard production for the year is down 4 percent compared with the same 11 months of 2018. 

AF&PA reports that production of containerboard for export decreased 9 percent compared with the same month last year, and it was down 15 percent year-to-date. Additionally, the containerboard operating rate in November was 93.5 percent, down 2.7 points from November 2018 and down 5.2 points year to date. 

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of November increased 78,000 tons compared with the previous month and were up 70,000 tons compared with last November.

Total boxboard production in November also decreased 2 percent compared with November 2018, AF&PA reports. It was down 1 percent compared with the same 11 months of 2018. In particular, recycled boxboard production in November decreased 3 percent compared with November 2018, and it was down 1 percent when compared with the same 11 months in 2018.

AF&PA’s November 2019 Containerboard Monthly report and its November 2019 Boxboard Monthly report, along with detailed tables, charts and historical data, can be purchased can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at statistics_publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.