ZHENGYANG MACHINERY EQUIPMENT Co.,Ltd.

U.S. Packaging Paper Exports Slumped 13%

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its U.S. Boxboard Report for the month of July this year. According to the report, the total monthly U.S. boxboard production registered 1.0% decline during the month. The total boxboard operating rate surged to hit 93.8% in July 2019.

The U.S. containerboard production has declined by 7.8%, upon comparison with July last year. The year-to-date production too witnessed a decline of 5.3%. The containerboard operating rates once again fell short of 90% at 89.9%. The linerboard operating rate dropped to below 90% for the fifth time this year. The year-to-date total operating rate has dropped by 6.6% upon comparison with the previous year. The containerboard production for export witnessed sharp decline by nearly 18.3% in July this year.

As per AF&PA estimates, the packaging paper shipments by the U.S. were down by 13% from July 2018. The operating rates dropped sharply from 86.2% in June to 81.6% in July this year. The packaging paper inventory levels were down marginally by 1% from the prior month.

The total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 12 percent in July compared to July 2018. The inventory levels have decreased marginally by 1% from June 2019 levels. The U.S. shipments of coated mechanical paper registered surged higher by 5% in July this year. The shipments of coated free sheet papers were down by 15%, when compared with July 2018. Meantime, the shipments of uncoated free sheet papers have dropped by 11% year-on-year.