Total U.S. Containerboard Production Increased Three Percent in Q3 2024

U.S. operating rates for all major grades except Recycled Medium declined compared to Q2 2024, but total production was essentially the same between the two quarters.

Oct. 28, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the Q3 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report on October 25. According to the report, total U.S. containerboard production in Q3 increased 3% compared to Q3 2023. It was up 6% when compared to the same nine months of 2023.

Operating rates for all major grades except Recycled Medium declined compared to Q2 2024, but total production was essentially the same between the two quarters.

Production for export decreased nearly 15% from Q2 and was the lowest quarter so far in this year, but is still up more than 26% year-to-date due to the weak export numbers in the first half of 2023.

Recycled Medium had a very strong quarter with production exceeding 1.9 million tons and the operating rate above 90% for the first time since Q2 2022. Semichemical Medium production on the other hand dipped below 1 million tons for the quarter due to particularly weak September numbers.

New supply for Q3 increased 2.8% from Q2 and was the highest it has been since Q2 2022, with strong domestic production and imports indicating growing demand for containerboard stateside, compared to the slightly weaker exports.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: AF&PA