March 18, 2019

American Forest & Paper Association Releases February 2019 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 February 2019 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report on March 15.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were down 3.3 percent from February 2018 and flat year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were down 2.0 percent year-to-date; Multiwall shipments were up 4.4 percent; Food Wrapping shipments were up 0.9 percent; and Converting shipments were down 0.6 percent. The operating rate for February decreased to 89.5 percent compared to 91.3 percent in January. Inventories remained essentially flat since January and were 3.4 percent lower 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.