U.S. containerboard production in Q1 2025 remained essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to Q1 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
The operating rate for Unbleached Kraft Liner decreased compared to Q1 2024, while rates for all the other grades increased. The rates for all 4 grades were above 90% for the first time in over a year.
Production for export increased in Q1 after 2 consecutive quarterly declines in the 2nd half of 2024, but it was still 7.7% lower than Q1 2024.
Domestic new supply for Q1 increased 1.0% from the same quarter last year, but declined 3.8% from Q4 2024, which had been the strongest quarter since 2022.
Inventories at mills at the end of Q1 declined 4.2% from their December 2024 levels. They were nevertheless 6.8% higher than the average mill inventories for the last 15 months.
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. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states.
