Archive · 22 Sep 2025
Cardboard Box Sales Slump Sparks Concerns About US Economy
The demand for cardboard boxes, used to ship things, is down, the lowest since 2016.
This might mean people are buying less stuff, which worries experts about the economy.
A big box maker, International Paper, is closing some factories.
Box prices are still high even though fewer are being used.
Online stores like Amazon are using less cardboard.
Some experts think this is a sign of a slowdown.
Despite the drop, prices are expected to stay high for a while.
Industry insiders are concerned about continued weakness in demand.
Demand for cardboard boxes is at its lowest level since 2016.
Mill closures, including two International Paper mills in Georgia, are occurring.
Decline is driven by weak consumer spending and other factors.
Despite falling demand, prices for cardboard remain high.
E-commerce companies are reducing cardboard use.
- Who
- Industry analysts, International Paper, and other box manufacturers
- What
- Demand for cardboard boxes is at its lowest level since 2016, with mill closures and price increases.
- When
- Demand has been falling, and is the weakest since 2016; International Paper to close mills by end of September.
- Where
- United States, with International Paper closing mills in Georgia.
- Why
- Weakening consumer spending, tariffs, mill closures and cooling housing market.
- Weakest Demand
- Since 2016
- Key Players
- International Paper, Packaging Corp. of America, WestRock
- International Paper Mill Closures
- Two mills in Georgia
- Linerboard Price (approx.)
- $945/ton
- Decline in Demand
- Driven by weakening consumer spending, tariffs, mill closures, and cooling housing market