June Domestic Paper Packaging Prices: Cboard Up $50/ton Again; Boxboard Static with July Hikes Emerging

Research evidence excerpt

June Domestic Paper Packaging Prices: Cboard Up $50/ton Again; Boxboard Static with July Hikes Emerging

pril/May), and so far the

only grade to see a change in 2026. Commentary remains constructive, with URB still described as

the strongest boxboard segment, supported by tight supply and healthy demand across tube & core,

edgeboard and specialty applications.

Producers cited higher fiber, freight and logistics costs behind the July hike, while contacts noted mills

are very tight, lead times are extended, and some sellers remain largely sold out for new business.

That said, not all contacts attributed the tightening to stronger demand, with some converters noting

consumption has remained relatively flat and that years of capacity reductions have left the market

with less flexibility during seasonal demand peaks. Further, continued price increases could risk pulling

in more imports from Asia and Europe (or even some CRB producers turning coaters off to produce

URB), particularly from independent buyers seeking lower-cost alternatives. We continue to believe

the April price increase largely only covers cost inflation. With OCC prices increasing each month of

2026 so far (US regional average), combined with other cost pressures, we are unsurprised to see

producers now pursuing another round of increases for July.

In the other recycled grade: CRB (coated recycled board), pricing also held flat, but underlying

conditions were characterized as softer than URB. Most buyers indicated demand remains steady-

to-soft, with lead times generally around four weeks and little evidence of supply constraints. Further,

some contacts pointed to potential oversupply in the market, while others noted certain CRB

producers may be evaluating URB production to improve machine utilization.