US containerboard production in Q4 2024 increased 1 procent compared to Q4 2023. It increased 5% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
Operating rates for Unbleached Kraft Liner and Recycled Medium increased compared to Q3 2024, while Recycled Liner and Semichemical Medium rates declined.
Production for export was at its lowest so far for 2024, with Q4 volumes dropping 11.2% from the same quarter last year. Nevertheless, year-to-date production for export was up 15.4% due to the very strong first half of 2024.
Recycled Medium production increased for the 3rd straight quarter, while Semichemical Medium declined for the 3rd straight quarter. Total Medium production was up 3.4% for the year, versus 5.3% for Liner.
New supply for Q4 increased 1.5% from Q3 and was the highest it has been since Q2 2022. It was up 3.6% compared to last year.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.