Report shows boxboard and containerboard production declined in 2025

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q4 2025 quarterly reports for boxboard and containerboard. 

For boxboard, the total production in Q4 decreased 2 percent compared to Q4 2024. It was down 1 percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2024. The boxboard operating rate was 85.6 percent, down 2.3 points from the same quarter last year.

Total containerboard production in 2025 decreased 4 percent compared to 2024. Operating rates stayed flat over the same time period, ending the year above 91 percent.

Operating rates for paperboard products: 

• Unbleached kraft and coated recycled boxboard production remained essentially flat compared to Q4 2024 and was down 4 percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2024.
• For tube, can, and drum components, domestic production decreased 4 percent compared to Q4 2024, and was down 1 percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2024.
• While linerboard production for export declined throughout 2025, medium production for export finished the year up 3 percent.
• Semichemical medium and recycled linerboard production were fairly consistent over the year, with overall declines of 1 and 2 percent respectively.
• Mill inventories dropped significantly in October but increased during the rest of Q4, finishing the year at their highest level since early 2022. Historically, December inventories tend to be higher than any other month of the year.