North American containerboard demand increased by 4.7% in November

In November, North American containerboard demand showed improvement, increasing 4.7% over the corresponding month last year, according to report by Pulp and Paper Products Council. North American containerboard production increased by 57 000 tones in November or 2.1%, compared to the same period in 2003.

During the month, North American mills operated at 96% of their capacity, up from 93% reached a year ago. Inventories held at North American mills and box plants totaled 2.66 million tonnes at the end of November, an increase of 40 000 tones over the previous month and 178 000 compared to the same month last year.

In November, North American boxboard demand improved, growing 2.6%, while production was up 2.3% compared to the same month last year. Boxboard mills operated at 91% of their capacity, a five-point increase over the 86% registered in November 2003.

North American kraft paper demand increased in November, up 17.6% compared to the same month in 2003. North American production of craft paper was up 16.5% for the month compared to 2003. Kraft paper producers shipped at 92% of their capacity in November, up from 83% reached in the same month last year.

North American kraft paper inventories totaled 88 000 tonnes at the end of November, an increase of 13 000 tones over last month and a decline of 23 000 tones compared to the same month last year. At current shipping rates, it is estimated that producers held 15 days of supply at month end.

North American Packaging Statistics

000s metric tones