Containerboard export shipments during the first quarter fell by 19% on the year, in part due to “evolving trade dynamics,” according to an industry report the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released today.
Total quarterly containerboard production decreased by 8% on the year, reflecting similar reductions in capacity, while operating rates remained essentially flat, the Q1 2026 Containerboard Quarterly report said.
Recycled linerboard production reached a record high in March while mill inventories at the end of the first quarter were lower by 3% from the previous quarter.
A decrease in unbleached kraft linerboard production brought total liner production down by 9% for the quarter, the report noted.
The group’s boxboard report noted that unmade orders of unbleached kraft and coated recycled boxboard rose by 5% on the year, and by 27% on the quarter. The uncoated recycled boxboard operating rate was 92%, up by 1.5 points on the year.
Total boxboard production for the quarter fell by 2% on the year, while the operating rate was lower by 1.5 points on the year at 85.7%.
Production of solid bleached boxboard was flat year on year.
