The American Forest & Paper Association or AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) released its April 2019 Containerboard Monthly report on May 16.

The report featured revised data based on findings from the 59th Annual Capacity Survey released May 15. Containerboard production in April 2019 decreased 5.3% compared to April 2018 and was down 4.1% year-to-date. The average daily production compared to March 2019 was 3.1% higher.

The containerboard operating rate bounced back above 90% due to the high rate for medium (96.5%), while the liner operating rate was at 89.6%. In spite of the bounce back, the April operating rate was 6.2% lower than the same month last year, and the year-to-date operating rate was down 5.8% compared to last year. Production for export, most of which is liner, was down nearly 20% year-over-year and was also down 20.5% year-to-date.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.