US packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments fell 8 per cent in February

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.
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.
Published by
Simon Matthis - 21 Mar, 2025

The American Forest & Paper Association released the February 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. 

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February decreased 8% compared to February 2024. They were down 2% when compared to the same 2 months of 2024. 

  • The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 84.8%, down 3.2 points from February 2024 and up 0.6 points year-to-date. 
  • Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 22,500 short tons for the month of February, down 5.3% from the same month last year. 

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.