AF&PA: U.S. Packaging Paper Rises in July, Printing Paper Demand Slumps
Paper Recycling | 2026-08-20 06:45:00
Shipments of packaging papers and specialty packaging products rose 1% from July 2025. Meanwhile, cumulative shipments during the first seven months of the year were 5% higher than the same period in 2025.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. packaging paper markets showed modest growth in July 2026, while demand for printing and writing papers remained under pressure, according to the latest monthly reports released by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).
Shipments of packaging papers and specialty packaging products rose 1% from July 2025. Meanwhile, cumulative shipments during the first seven months of the year were 5% higher than the same period in 2025.
The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers improved to 87.5% in July from 85.7% in June. However, the rate remained below levels recorded from February through May. On a year-to-date basis, the operating rate was 5.1 percentage points above last year.
Bleached food wrapping shipments declined 3.6% year over year in July, although shipments remained 2.7% higher for the first seven months. The packaging paper inventories in July rose to their highest level since February. However, inventory levels were 4.9% lower than a year earlier.
The printing-writing paper segment’s total shipments fell 9% from July 2025, while inventories increased 3% from June.All three major categories—uncoated free sheet, coated free sheet and mechanical paper—recorded lower July shipments than a year earlier. Coated free sheet posted the smallest decline, with shipments falling 6%.
U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers showed little change in June, in line with the ongoing weakness in domestic demand.
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Which U.S. paper segment showed stronger performance in July 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. packaging paper shipments perform in July 2026?
Shipments rose 1% from July 2025, while cumulative shipments for the first seven months increased 5% year over year.
- How did printing and writing paper shipments perform?
Total shipments declined 9% year over year in July, reflecting continued weakness in domestic demand.
- Which printing-paper category recorded the smallest decline?
Coated free sheet posted the smallest decline, with shipments falling 6% year over year in July.
