According to the report, total year‑to‑date printing-writing paper shipments decreased 10% in April compared to April 2025. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to March 2026.
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in April increased 5.5% compared to April 2025. They were up 4.8% when compared to the same 4 months of 2025.
WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released the 66th Annual Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey. The report provides detailed data on U.S. paper industry capacity and production compiled by the AF&PA statistics team.
Total Boxboard production in Q1 decreased 2% compared to Q1 2025. The boxboard operating rate was 85.7%, down 1.5 points from the same quarter last year.
According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q1 2026 decreased 8% compared to the same quarter in 2025 in line with similar reductions in capacity. Operating rates remained essentially flat (-0.1 points) over the same period.
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March increased 7% compared to March 2025. They were up 3% when compared to the same 3 months of 2025.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in March compared to March 2025. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to February 2026.
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February increased 4% compared to February 2025. They were up 1% when compared to the same 2 months of 2025.
According to the report, total Containerboard production in 2025 decreased 4% compared to 2024. Operating rates stayed flat over the same time period, ending the year above 91%.
