AF&PA United States paper reports for January 2011

The American Forest & Paper Association released the January 2011 U.S. Containerboard, Kraft Paper and Paperboard Statistics Reports.

For the fifteenth straight month, containerboard production rose over the same month a year ago. Total production saw an increase of 127,900 tons or 4.6 percent when compared to January 2010. Production rose compared to December 2010, with month over month average daily production up 4.0 percent. The containerboard operating rate for January 2011 was up 4.1 points over January 2010 to 96.1 percent.

Key findings in this report include:

•Linerboard production continues the trend.

•Medium production up from last year.

Total Kraft paper shipments were 129.5 thousand tons, a decrease of 3.0 percent compared to January 2010, but up 2.1 percent when compared to December 2010. Total inventory was 78.2 thousand tons.

Key findings in this report include:

•Total Unbleached Kraft shipments declined over same month last year.

•Total Bleached Kraft shipments were up over January 2010.

The paperboard report indicates that total boxboard production increased by 8.3 percent compared to January 2010, and increased 5.5 percent from last month.

Key findings in this report include:

•Unbleached Kraft Folding production is flat compared to January 2010.

•Solid Bleached Folding up over same month last year.

•Recycled Folding production increased over last month.