The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has 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 six 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 [email protected]
