IndexBox Marketing (Scotland, U.K.) published a new report this past month titled ''U.S. Paperboard Market Analysis and Forecast to 2020''. According to this report, the U.S. ranks first in global trade of paperboard, accounting for a 15% share (based on U.S. dollars) of world's exports. It was followed by Sweden (12%), Germany (12%), Finland (7%), and China (7%).

 

In 2015, the U.S. exported $5.426 billion of paperboard, 3% below the previous year's value. U.S. exports swung back and forth from 2007 to 2015. A significant drop in 2009 was followed by steady growth over the next two years, until exports decreased again. Afterwards, they regained strength over 2013-2014, slipping again in 2015. In 2011, U.S. paperboard exports overtook their pre-recession level of 2008. Despite considerable fluctuations, exports have stably remained above their pre-crisis levels over the recent five years.

 

Export provides substantial support for U.S. paperboard manufacturing, with about 19% of total output being sent abroad. However, production grew faster than exports, which indicates that an increase in domestic consumption was the primary driver of the industry.

 

Canada (21%), Mexico (20%), and, distantly, China (8%) were the main destinations of U.S. paperboard exports in 2015. The share exported to Mexico increased (6 percentage points), while the share sent to Canada illustrated negative dynamics (-3 percentage points) from 2007 to 2015.

 

From 2007 to 2015, the U.S. consistently stayed a net exporter of paperboard. In 2015, the U.S. paperboard industry ran a trade surplus of $3.248 billion, a figure that has remained relatively stable in recent years.

Companies mentioned: Graphic Packaging Holdings, Sonoco Products, WestRock, Packaging Corp. of America, Menasha Corp., Green Bay Packaging, WestRock Minnesota Corp., The Real Reel Corp., Artistic Carton Co., Chesapeake International Holdings, Interstate Paper, Interstate Resources, Fibermark North America, Mafcote, Stone Southwest, Canal Corp., WestRock MWV, RockTenn Converting Co., GPI Holdings, Republic Paperboard Co., FMK Holdings, Norampac Industries, Multi-Wall Packaging, Greenpac Mill, New-Indy Containerboard Holding Co., and Asp Fibermark Holdings.