U.S. packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in August 2025 increased 5% compared to August 2024. They were down 1% when compared to the same 8 months of 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
The bleached operating rate increased to 78.2%, tying January 2025 for the highest level over the last 15 months.
Unbleached bag & sack shipments were up 6% from last August, but down 5.4% year-to-date.
Total inventories were up 7.3% from the same month last year.
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.
