Total U.S. Containerboard Production Increased One Percent in Q4 2024

Operating rates for Unbleached Kraft Liner and Recycled Medium in Q4 2024 increased compared to Q3 2024, while Recycled Liner and Semichemical Medium rates declined.

Feb. 3, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the Q4 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q4 increased 1% compared to Q4 2023. It was up 5% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023.

• Operating rates for Unbleached Kraft Liner and Recycled Medium increased compared to Q3 2024, while Recycled Liner and Semichemical Medium rates declined.
• Production for export was at its lowest so far for 2024, with Q4 volumes dropping 11.2% from the same quarter last year. Nevertheless, year-to-date production for export was up 15.4% due to the very strong first half of 2024.
• Recycled Medium production increased for the 3rd straight quarter, while Semichemical Medium declined for the 3rd straight quarter. Total Medium production was up 3.4% for the year, versus 5.3% for Liner.
• New supply for Q4 increased 1.5% from Q3 and was the highest it has been since Q2 2022. It was up 3.6% compared to last year.

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