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

The report featured revised data based on findings from the 59th Annual Capacity Survey released May 15. Total packaging papers shipments were down 3.7% from April 2018 and down 1.4% year-to-date. Bag & sack shipments were down 1.1% year-to-date, multiwall shipments were down 3.6%, food wrapping shipments were up 0.5%, and converting shipments were down 1.4%. The operating rate for April decreased to 88.5% compared to 90.0 percent in March. Inventory levels increased 1.7% from March.

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.