August 19, 2019

American Forest & Paper Association Releases July 2019 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report

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

WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its July 2019 Packaging Papers and Specialty Packaging Monthly report on August 16.

Total packaging papers shipments were down 13.0 percent from July 2018 and down 4.6 percent year-to-date. Bag and sack shipments were down 3.1 percent year-to-date; multiwall shipments were down 11.8 percent; food wrapping shipments were up 4.1 percent; and converting shipments were down 7.1 percent. The operating rate for July dropped to 81.6 percent compared to 86.2 percent in June. Inventory levels decreased one percent from June.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

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.