Total U.S. boxboard production decreased by 2% in the Q3 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. The overall boxboard operating rate fell 1.7 percentage points to 88.7%.
The decline occurred despite increased domestic production in several specific categories. Production of plates, dishes and trays saw a significant rise of 14%. Domestic output for uncoated recycled boxboard used in tubes, cans and drums increased by 3%, and production of solid bleached folding boxboard also grew by 1%.
