How did U.S. containerboard production perform in 2025?

Total containerboard production declined by 4% compared to 2024.

Were containerboard mill operating rates affected by production declines?

No, operating rates remained stable and finished above 91%.

What were the export trends for containerboard in 2025?

Linerboard exports declined, while medium exports increased by 3%.

AF&PA Reports Decline in 2025 Containerboard, Boxboard Output

Paper Recycling | 2026-02-04 05:15:14

Production of semichemical medium and recycled linerboard remained relatively stable, showing modest declines of 1% and 2% respectively.

By Paul Ploumis

Summary

U.S. containerboard production declined 4% in 2025, while mill operating rates remained stable above 91%.
Boxboard production dropped 2% in Q4 2025 and fell 1% for the full year, with operating rates declining to 85.6%.
Mixed export performance, stable production across key grades, and rising unfilled boxboard orders highlighted shifting packaging demand trends.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its Q4 2025 Containerboard Quarterly Report and Boxboard Quarterly Report, revealing declines in overall paper and packaging production despite stable operating rates across the U.S. packaging sector.

According to the Containerboard report, total containerboard production in 2025 dropped by 4% compared to 2024. However, mill operating rates remained steady, finishing above 91%. Export demand trends were mixed, with linerboard exports declining throughout the year, while medium exports recorded a 3% increase.

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Production of semichemical medium and recycled linerboard remained relatively stable, showing modest declines of 1% and 2% respectively. Mill inventories fell sharply in October 2025 but rebounded during Q4, ending the year at the highest level since early 2022, reflecting typical seasonal inventory increases in December.

Meanwhile, the Boxboard report noted that total boxboard production during Q4 2025 declined 2% compared to Q4 2024 and fell 1% for the full year. The boxboard operating rate stood at 85.6%, marking a decline year-on-year. Production of unbleached kraft, coated recycled boxboard, and tube, can and drum packaging showed stable to moderately declining output, while unmade orders increased across key boxboard grades.