January 17, 2020

American Forest & Paper Association Releases December 2019 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released its December 2019 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December decreased four percent compared to December 2018 and were down six percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2018.

The operating rate was 81.8 percent, down 2.9 points from December 2018 and down 5.2 points year-to-date.
Mill inventories at the end of December increased 12,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 1,000 short tons compared to December 2018.

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.