U.S. total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May 2020 increased 2% compared to May 2019. They were up 3% when compared to the same five months of 2019, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
The operating rate was 83.8%, down 1.8 points from May 2019 and down 1.4 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of May increased 18,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 18,000 short tons compared to May 2019.
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.
