US box shipments weak in May, prices competitive as converters fight for business in slow market

摘要

The North American containerboard and corrugated box markets are showing mixed trends, with box shipments displaying surprising weakness in May but containerboard still in relatively tight supply.Containerboard prices have remained relatively stable, but with some scattered spot price discounting, particularly in more competitive markets such as the Northeast, according to contacts. Export demand continues to be strong, with some upward price creep in certain markets and "mill nets" in some cases exceeding domestic levels.