September containerboard production declines 4 percent from last year

Total containerboard production in September decreased 4 percent compared with September 2018, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, reports in its September 2019 Containerboard Monthly report.

According to a news release from AF&PA, September production of containerboard for export decreased 20 percent compared with the same month last year, and it is down 18 percent year to date. The containerboard operating rate was 93.0 percent, down 4 percentage points from this month last year and down 6.1 points year to date.

In addition, mill inventories of containerboard at the end of September decreased 22,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 27,000 short tons compared with September 2018, AF&PA reports. 

September boxboard production

In addition, AF&PA reports in its September 2019 Boxboard Monthly report that total boxboard production in September decreased 3 percent compared with September 2018. It was down 1 percent when compared with the same nine months in 2018. The boxboard operating rate was 91.1 percent, down 2.2 points from September 2018 and down 1.3 points year to date.

AF&PA reports that recycled boxboard production in September decreased 1 percent compared with September 2018. It was also down 1 percent when compared with the same nine months of 2018. Additionally, solid bleached boxboard production in September decreased 7 percent compared with September 2018, and it was down 1 percent when compared with the same nine months of 2018. Unbleahced Kraft and gypsum production in September remained flat compared with September 2018. 

The complete September 2019 Containerboard Monthly report and the complete September 2019 Boxboard Monthly report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at statistics_publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.