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Report: U.S. containerboard, boxboard production down in November 2019

U.S. production of containerboard and boxboard and U.S. shipments of packaging/specialty papers and printing-writing grades all experienced decreases in November 2019, according to new reports compiled by The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).

Containerboard

Total containerboard production in November 2019 decreased one per cent compared to the year prior. Production was down four per cent when compared to the same 11 months of 2018.

November 2019 production of containerboard for export decreased nine per cent compared to the same month last year; it was down 15 per cent year-to-date.

The containerboard operating rate was 93.5 per cent, down 2.7 points from November 2018 and down 5.2 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of November increased 78,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 70,000 short tons compared to November 2018.

Boxboard

Total boxboard production in November 2019 decreased two per cent compared to the year prior. Production was down one per cent when compared to the same 11 months of 2018.

The boxboard operating rate was 93.0 per cent, down 0.7 points from November 2018.

Solid bleached boxboard production in November 2019 decreased two per cent compared to November 2018, and was down 0.5 per cent year-to-date from 2018.

Recycled boxboard production in November 2019 decreased three per cent compared to the year prior, and was down one per cent year-to-date.

Unbleached kraft and gypsum production in November 2019 decreased two per cent compared to November 2018. It was essentially flat (-0.2 per cent) compared to the year prior.

Packaging papers and specialty packaging

Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in November 2019 decreased four per cent compared to November 2018, down six per cent compared to the year prior.

The operating rate was 84.0 per cent, down 6.0 points from November 2018 and down 5.5 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories at the end of November increased 6,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 7,000 short tons compared to November 2018.

Printing and writing papers

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 11 per cent in November 2019 compared to the same month in 2018. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 10 per cent in November 2019 over November 2018.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one per cent when compared to October 2019.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 13 per cent compared to November 2018 while the inventory level increased one per cent compared to October 2019. UFS imports decreased 10 per cent while exports increased one per cent in October 2019.

U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in November decreased nine per cent compared to last November while the inventory level increased three per cent compared to October 2019. CFS imports decreased 25 per cent while exports remained essentially flat (+0.2 per cent) in October 2019.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased three per cent compared to November 2018 while the inventory level decreased four per cent compared to October 2019. CM imports decreased 28 per cent while exports increased 35 per cent in October 2019.

U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in November 2019 decreased nine per cent compared to November 2018 while the inventory level remained relatively flat (+0.3 per cent) compared to October 2019. UM imports decreased 24 per cent while exports increased 36 per cent in October 2019.

The complete reports with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased via Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or by calling 202-463-4716.