AF&PA Q3 2026 Report: Mixed Signals for U.S. Paperboard Production
Paper Recycling | 2026-11-02 05:00:32
Containerboard manufacturing continued to benefit from stable demand.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The U.S. paperboard industry delivered contrasting results across containerboard and boxboard segments during the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest reports released by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Strong containerboard utilization was offset by softer performance in the boxboard market during the quarter.
Containerboard manufacturing continued to benefit from stable demand. Industry operating rate stayed above 94.5% for the second consecutive quarter. The year-to-date operating rate climbed 2.5% above the previous year's level. Production increased 2.7% from the second quarter.
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Containerboard exports declined 11% quarter-on-quarter, whereas imports jumped 25%. Consequently, third-quarter new supply reached its highest level in six quarters, higher by 5.8% from the second quarter. Recycled grade recorded a 95.1% operating rate, while linerboard and semichemical medium maintained utilization in the mid-90% range. Mill inventories dropped below 370,000 short tons, to their lowest level since October 2024, AF&PA report noted.
The boxboard production increased 1% year-on-year, but the operating rate slipped 1.5% to 88.3%. Solid Bleached Boxboard production jumped 4% Q2 2025. Uncoated Recycled Boxboard utilization improved to 95.6%, up by 2.2% year-on-year. Unbleached Kraft and Coated Recycled Boxboard registered an operating rate of 88.4%, down 0.6% y-o-y.
POLL
Which segment maintained operating rates above 94.5% for the second consecutive quarter in Q3 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did the U.S. paperboard industry perform during Q3 2026?
The U.S. paperboard industry recorded mixed performance during the third quarter. Containerboard manufacturing maintained strong operating rates above 94.5% for the second consecutive quarter, while the boxboard segment experienced weaker capacity utilization despite modest production growth.
- What were the major developments in the U.S. containerboard market?
Containerboard production increased 2.7% quarter-on-quarter, while the operating rate remained above 94.5%. Imports surged 25%, whereas exports declined 11%, resulting in a 5.8% increase in new supply. Mill inventories also dropped below 370,000 short tons.
- How did the different boxboard grades perform during the quarter?
Total boxboard production increased 1% year-on-year, although the operating rate declined 1.5 percentage points to 88.3%. Uncoated Recycled Boxboard recorded improved utilization of 95.6%, up 2.2 percentage points, while Unbleached Kraft and Coated Recycled Boxboard registered 88.4%, down 0.6 percentage points year-on-year.
