U.S. containerboard production in February 2019 decreased 1.8% compared to February 2018 and was down 1.4% year-to-date. The average daily production compared to January 2019 was 3.8% lower.

Packaging

U.S. containerboard production decreased by 1.8% in February

U.S. containerboard production in February 2019 decreased 1.8% compared to February 2018 and was down 1.4% year-to-date. The average daily production compared to January 2019 was 3.8% lower, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.

The containerboard operating rate was 89.5%, 6.2 percentage points lower than the same month last year and down 3.9 points year-to-date. Production for export continued its steep decline and was nearly 30% lower than February 2018, dropping below 300 thousand short tons for the first time since May 2010.

The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.