January 18, 2019

American Forest & Paper Association Releases December 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report

CONTACT: Barbara Riley
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association released its December 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report on January 16, 2019.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were down 7.9 percent from December 2017 but up 1.8 percent year-to-date. Bag and Sack shipments were up 4.4 percent year-to-date; Multiwall shipments were down 1.4 percent; Converting shipments were up 0.5 percent; and Food Wrapping shipments were up 1.9 percent. The operating rate for December dropped to 87.0 percent compared to 89.5 percent in November. Inventories increased 2.2 percent since November and were 4.9 percent higher than the same month last year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org.

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 recyclable 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. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.