Containerboard Production in U.S. Continues Sharp Rise

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According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA, January 2010 U.S. Containerboard Statistics Report released this week, total containerboard paper production again rose sharply compared with the same month last year. This month follows a trend set in December 2009. Total production saw an increase of 335,500 tons or 13.8% over January 2009. Production increased compared with December 2009, and the daily average percent change was up 1.1%. The recent reduction in capacity is reflected in the current operating rates. The containerboard operating rate for January 2010 rose 15.3 points (to 93.1%) over January 2009.

As with total containerboard, linerboard production saw a large increase over last year. It rose 14.1% from January 2009. The current linerboard production saw a slight increase compared with December 2009, and the daily average rose 1.5%. Once again, production for exports showed a substantial increase of 72.4% over this time last year but was down 11.7% compared with December 2009. Linerboard's January operating rate mirrors the rise, increasing 15.0 points to 92.5%.

January corrugating medium production was up 88,600 tons or 12.9% from January 2009. Production was flat compared with December 2009, which was reflected in the daily average percent change, which rose just 0.1%. Exports, as well, showed a sizeable increasing, posting a 33.2% growth over January 2009. The January corrugating medium operating rate showed the largest gain, increasing 16.3 points over January 2009.