The American Forest & Paper Association released its first quarter 2023 (Q1) U.S. paper reports.
Boxboard
Total Boxboard production in Q1 decreased 5 percent compared to Q1 2022. The boxboard operating rate was 87.8 percent, down 6.1 points from Q1.
- Solid B1. Folding – Domestic production decreased eight percent compared to Q1 2022.
- Recycled Boxboard – Coated production increased three percent compared to Q1 2022.
Containerboard
According to the report, total Containerboard production in the first quarter of 2023 decreased 10 percent when compared to Q1 2022.
- All containerboard grades experienced operating rate increases relative to Q4 2022.
- Liner grades had a combined quarterly operating rate of 83.5 percent, up from 78.7 percent, while Medium grades were at 90.9 percent, up from 86.1 percent.
- Export production in Q1 was 22.9 percent higher than the previous quarter, but trailed Q1 2022 production by 23.5 percent.
- Mill inventories dropped below 400,000 short tons for the first time since September 2021.
As published in June 2023 issue of American Recycler.