U.S. operating rates for all major grades of conatainerboard in Q2 2024, except Semichemical Medium, increased compared to Q1 2024, and total production was the highest it has been since Q2 2022.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the Q2 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total containerboard production in Q2 increased 7% compared to Q2 2023. It was up 7% when compared to the same 6 months of 2023.

Operating rates for all major grades except Semichemical Medium increased compared to Q1 2024, and total production was the highest it has been since Q2 2022.

Unbleached Kraft Liner production for export surged more than 44% over its year-ago levels. Total export production for the first half of the year is also up 40%.

Recycled Medium is the only grade with a flat operating rate (-0.2%) compared to the first half of 2023, as capacity increases (+175,000 tons) have slightly exceeded production gains (+140,000 tons).

Domestic new supply for Q2 was slightly lower than last year's peak in Q4, but it is still up 3.7% year-to-date, as domestic production has increased as much as export production in terms of tonnage, and imports are up 9.8%.


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