North American containerboard demand increased by 8.4% in September

Москва. 29 октября. /Lesprom Network/. In September, North American containerboard demand showed improvement, increasing 8.4% over the corresponding month last year, according to report by Pulp and Paper Products Council. North American containerboard production increased by 202 000 tonnes in September or 7.5%, compared to the same period in 2003.

During the month, North American mills operated at 98% of their capacity, up from 90% reached a year ago. Inventories held at North American mills and box plants totaled 2.5 million tonnes at the end of September, an increase of 68 000 tonnes over the previous month and a decline of 73 000 compared to the same month last year. In September, North American boxboard demand improved, growing 6.3%, while production was up 8.0% compared to the same month last year. Boxboard mills operated at 92% of their capacity, a ten-point increase over the 82% registered in September 2003.

North American kraft paper demand increased in September, up 1.4% compared to the same month in 2003. North American production of kraft paper was down nearly one percent for the month compared to 2003. Kraft paper producers shipped at 90% of their capacity in September, up from 87% reached in the same month last year.

North American kraft paper inventories totaled 71 000 tonnes at the end of September, a decrease of 7 000 tonnes over last month and a decline of 110 000 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