US containerboard mill operating rates near 91% in June on strong export demand, slight pickup in box shipments

摘要

US containerboard mill operating rates hit nearly 91% in June on strong export demand and a more modest pickup in US box demand, according to latest industry statistics. Inventories rose for the first time in several months, but were still at relatively low levels. Analysts were mixed on whether the higher operating rates show the industry is at an "inflection point" in a developing market recovery this fall or in danger of over producing and causing further weakness in prices.