In July 2025, total shipments of packaging papers and specialty packaging in the United States increased by 5 % compared with July 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).
Despite that monthly gain, cumulative shipments over the first seven months of 2025 remain 1 % lower than the same period in 2024.
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Unbleached operating rate climbs, bleached food wrapping grows, inventories up
The report shows the unbleached operating rate rose to 86.3 %, marking its second-highest level in the past fifteen months.
Shipments of bleached food wrapping papers surged by 15 % year-on-year in July, and were up 9.6 % on a year-to-date basis. Inventories also increased, rising by 8.1 % compared with July 2024.
Broader industry context and economic footprint
AF&PA statistics underline that, even though July showed a month-on-month improvement, the overall packaging papers sector remains under pressure, with shipments down 1 % year-to-date.
The broader US forest products industry, which includes paper and packaging, employs more than 925,000 individuals—especially across rural areas—and contributes about 4.7 % of total U.S. manufacturing GDP, generating over $435 billion in annual output.
