U.S. Containerboard Operating Rates, Exports Rebound in May

The U.S. containerboard Industry operating rate rose to 94.7% in May from 91.0% in April, according to Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank. The linerboard operating rate was 93.2%, while the corrugating medium operating rate was 98.7%, he reports. Total containerboard production rose 7.2% m/m and 1.3% y/y.

Production for export rose ˜13% y/y and m/m, Wilde continues. "We consider the increase in exports a bit surprising given soft European demand and a strong U.S. dollar versus the euro. YTD thru May, production for export is up 5.3% y/y," he notes.

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