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October 31, 2025
Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q3 2025 Containerboard Quarterly Report

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q3 2025 Containerboard Quarterly report on October 31.

According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q3 decreased 3.1% compared to Q3 2024. It was down 3% when compared to the same 9 months of 2024.

  • The operating rates for all 4 major grades increased from Q2 as capacity declined 1.7% over the same period. Year-to-date operating rates are flat compared to 2024.
  • Domestic new supply in Q3 was essentially flat compared to Q1 2025, which was an improvement from a weak second quarter.
  • Inventories at mills peaked in August to nearly 462 thousand short tons, climbing to their highest level in over 15 months, and then declined 8% in September.

A subscription to 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 public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030. 

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