In August, North American containerboard production declined by 182,000 tonnes, or 6.1%, compared to the same month…
In August, North American containerboard production declined by 182,000 tonnes, or 6.1%, compared to the same month last year.
Mills operated at 90% of their capacity compared to 95% a year ago.
Demand for containerboard dropped 5.8% from August 2002, bringing the year-to-date figure to -1.9%. Inventories held at mills and box plants totaled 2.6 million tonnes at the end of August, a reduction of 53,000 tonnes over the previous month.
Boxboard production increased by 2.4%, demand up 3.5% compared to August 2002. Mills operated at 89% capacity compared to 85% last year.
Kraft paper production was down 15.9% for the month and 14.1% year-to-date. Producers operated at 80% capacity, down from 96% last year. Shipments were down just under 17% year-over-year. Demand continued to decline in August, compared to 2002. Inventories increased by 2,000 tonnes compared to July. At current shipping rates, it is estimated that producers held 21 days of supply at month end.
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