Skip to main content

AF&PA Releases Q2 2024 Containerboard Quarterly Report

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) 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%.

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