Total U.S. packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments increased 2% in December 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. Shipments for the full 12-month period of 2025 were 1% higher than in the corresponding period of 2024.
The operating rate for bleached packaging papers increased slightly to 74.5% in December, though it remained below the year-to-date average of 75.1%.
Total production capacity for the year was down 2.6%. Inventories of packaging papers at the end of December were 6% higher than in the same month of the previous year. Conversely, shipments of unbleached bag and sack papers decreased 2.6% for the month and were down 2.2% for the full year.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
