AF&PA Releases May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report
WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report.
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 12% compared to May 2025. They were up 6% when compared to the same 5 months of 2025.
- The unbleached packaging papers operating rate declined to 89% in May after nearly hitting 93% in April.
- Shipments of bleached food wrapping were up 5.6% from last May, and up 3.4% year-to-date.
- Total inventories increased for the first time since January and were down 6.8% from May 2025.
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 at 202-463-4716.