October containerboard remains flat compared with 2018

Total containerboard production in October remained flat compared with containerboard production in October 2018, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, reports in its October 2019 Containerboard Monthly report, released Nov. 15. Overall, AF&PA reports that containerboard production is down about 4 percent for the first 10 months of 2019 compared with the first 10 months of 2018. 

October production of containerboard for export increased about 4 percent compared with the same month in 2018, yet this figure is down 16 percent year to date compared with the same period in 2018, according to AF&PA.

AF&PA reports that the containerboard operating rate for October was 94.7 percent, which is on par with where it was at in October 2018. Additionally, mill inventories of containerboard at the end of October decreased 26,000 tons from the previous month and were up 30,000 tons compared with October 2018. 

AF&PA's complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or calling 202-463-4716.