April 2011 paper reports

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its April 2011 United States Paperboard Report. Total boxboard production decreased by 1.3 percent compared to April 2010 and decreased 2.4 percent from last month.

Additional key findings in the paperboard report show:

•Unbleached Kraft Folding production increased over the same month last year, and increased over last month.

•The production of Recycled Folding increased compared to April 2010, but decreased when compared to last month.

•Inventory of Solid Bleached Kraft Paperboard rose in April.

Their Kraft Paper Sector Report showed shipments were 129.9 thousand tons, down 7.2 percent when compared to March 2011. Total inventory was 73.0 thousand tons.

According to the Recovered Paper Monthly Report, total United States industry consumption of recovered paper was 2.51 million tons, 4 percent lower than April of last year and 3 percent lower than last month.

The United States exported 20 percent more recovered paper in March than in February. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper are up 11.5 percent.

The April 2011 containerboard statistics report showed reduced containerboard production compared to March 2011. The containerboard operating rate for April 2011 was down 1.9 points over April 2010 to 93.4 percent.