U.S. containerboard production in December 2020 increased 3% compared to December 2019. It was up 4% when compared to the same 12 months of 2019.

Packaging

U.S. containerboard production increased by 3% in December 2020

U.S. containerboard production in December 2020 increased 3% compared to December 2019. It was up 4% when compared to the same 12 months of 2019, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.

December 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased 22% compared to the same month last year; it was up 9% year-to-date.

The containerboard operating rate was 93.7%, essentially flat (-0.1 pts.) from December 2019 and up 2.3 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of December increased 3,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 3,000 short tons compared to December 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.