US packaging papers shipments rise 4% in August, AF&PA reports

US packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in the US rose 4% in August 2026 versus a year earlier, with year-to-date shipments up 5% over the first eight months, the American Forest & Paper Association reported. Unbleached bag and sack shipments hit a record of nearly 119,000 short tons in August, up 8.4% year-to-date, while the bleached packaging papers operating rate reached 91.1%.

Why this mattersRising shipments and operating rates signal firmer US demand for packaging papers, a leading indicator for converters and box makers sourcing from the sector.

• Total US packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments up 4% in August 2026 versus August 2025
• Year-to-date shipments up 5% over the same eight months of 2025
• Unbleached bag and sack shipments hit a record of nearly 119,000 short tons in August, up 8.4% year-to-date
• Bleached packaging papers operating rate reached 91.1%, above 90% for the third time in 2026
• August 2026 inventories up 1% year-on-year, the highest level in 13 months

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