The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its Q3 2023 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total Containerboard production in the third quarter of 2023 decreased 1 percent when compared to Q3 2022 and was down 8 percent compared to the same 9 months last year.
- Operating rates for all major grades decreased compared to Q2 2023 while total production was up 4.2 percent; Q3 has one more production day than Q2.
- Total production for export was up 16.2 percent from Q2 2023 and also up 16.3 percent from Q3 2022, though it was 10.7 percent lower year-to-date.
- New supply of containerboard (domestic production plus imports) increased for the third consecutive quarter but was still down 7.1 percent year-to-date.
- Mill inventories ended the quarter at 370,500 short tons, 11.6 percent lower than at the end of Q3 2022.
Boxboard
Total boxboard production in Q3 decreased 17 percent compared to Q3 2022. The boxboard operating rate was 82.3 percent, down 12.0 points from Q3 2022.
- Solid bleached boxboard operating rate was 80.3 percent, down 9.7 points year-to-date.
- Recycled boxboard–Uncoated (not incl. Gypsum) production was down 12 percent when compared to the same 9 months of 2022.
- Unbleached kraft & gypsum production in Q3 decreased 10 percent when compared to the same 9 months of 2022. The operating rate was 87.2 percent.
