Operating rates for Unbleached Kraft Liner and Recycled Medium in Q4 2024 increased compared to Q3 2024, while Recycled Liner and Semichemical Medium rates declined.
Feb. 3, 2025 – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the Q4 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q4 increased 1% compared to Q4 2023. It was up 5% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023.
- Operating rates for Unbleached Kraft Liner and Recycled Medium increased compared to Q3 2024, while Recycled Liner and Semichemical Medium rates declined.
- Production for export was at its lowest so far for 2024, with Q4 volumes dropping 11.2% from the same quarter last year. Nevertheless, year-to-date production for export was up 15.4% due to the very strong first half of 2024.
- Recycled Medium production increased for the 3rd straight quarter, while Semichemical Medium declined for the 3rd straight quarter. Total Medium production was up 3.4% for the year, versus 5.3% for Liner.
- New supply for Q4 increased 1.5% from Q3 and was the highest it has been since Q2 2022. It was up 3.6% compared to last year.
About AF&PA
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.
The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.
SOURCE: AF&PA