In October North American containerboard demand increased by 5,7%

During the month, North American mills operated at 97% of their capacity, up from 93% reached a year ago. Inventories held at North American mills and box plants totaled 2.6 million tonnes at the end of October, an increase of 99 000 tonnes over the previous month and 82 000 compared to the same month last year.

In October, North American boxboard demand improved, growing 3,2%, while production was up 3,6% compared to the same month last year. Boxboard mills operated at 92% of their capacity, a six-point increase over the 86% registered in October 2003.

North American kraft paper demand increased in October, up 1,5% compared to the same month in 2003. North American production of kraft paper was up 2,8% for the month compared to 2003.

Kraft paper producers shipped at 92% of their capacity in October, up from 90% reached in the same month last year. North American kraft paper inventories totaled 75 000 tonnes at the end of October, an increase of 4 000 tonnes over last month and a decline of 31 000 tonnes compared to the same month last year. At current shipping rates, it is estimated that producers held 13 days of supply at month end.

North American Packaging Statistics

000s metric tones