Total U.S. packaging paper shipments in March 2018 were down 6.6% compared with March 2017, and down 6.5% year-to-date, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) March 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report issued this week. 

Bag and sack shipments were down 8.3% year-to-date. Multiwall shipments were down 12.6%. Converting shipments were down 2.8% and food wrapping shipments remained essentially flat. The operating rate for March decreased to 87.4% from 88.5% in February. Inventories were up 1.4% since February.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting AF&PA.