U.S. Containerboard report

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the United States Containerboard Statistics Report for May 2010. For the seventh straight month, containerboard paper production has risen sharply when compared to last year. Current total production saw an increase of 238,100 tons or 9.1 percent over May 2009. Total production amounts increased over April 2010, with average daily production up 0.3 percent. Year-to-date 2010 production has increased 12.6 percent over 2009. The containerboard operating rate for May 2010 rose 12.2 points over May 2009 to 95.2 percent.

Additional key findings from the report include:

• Linerboard production was up from last year.
• Medium production follows the trend and increases over May 2009.
• Containerboard operating rates reached their highest levels in 2010.