U.S. Containerboard Operating Rates in June Reach Highest Levels of 2010

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For the eighth straight month, U.S. containerboard production rose over last year, according to the June 2010 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report released this week by AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA. Total production increased 47,100 tons or 1.7% over June 2009. Total production amounts decreased compared with May 2010; however, the average daily production was up 1.6%. Year-to-date 2010 production has increased 10.6% over 2009. The containerboard operating rate for June 2010 rose 6.0 points over June 2009 to 96.7%.

As with total containerboard, linerboard production has seen eight months of increases over last year. June’s production level was 2.3% higher than in June 2009. Linerboard production fell compared with May 2010 but the average daily production saw a 1.5% increase. Production for exports decreased 3.9% over this time last year but increased 12.7% compared with May 2010. Linerboard’s June operating rate mirrors the rise, increasing 5.8 points over June 2009 to 96.9%.

June corrugating medium production was flat, only increasing 1,100 tons or 0.1% from June 2009. June’s production fell 1.5% compared with last month, but the average daily production showed an increase of 1.8%. Exports reported an increase, posting a rise of 14.5% over same month last year and 1.4% over May 2010. The June medium operating rate of 96.2% showed an increase of 6.4 points over June 2009.