According to a report released by Fastmarkets RISI, North American containerboard prices increased for the second consecutive month in April, with the benchmark index rising $30 per ton following a $40 per ton increase in March.
Those gains follow a $20 per ton decline in February, resulting in a net year-to-date increase of $50 per ton. The March movement marked the first recognized price increase by the index in 13 months, after a prolonged period of flat or declining pricing.
Earlier in the year, several major producers had announced plans to implement $70 per ton increases beginning in March. However, market conditions at the start of 2026 were unpredictable.
Fastmarkets RISI reported a February dip that surprised some observers, particularly as producers had pointed to improving demand trends and the impact of a nearly 10 percent reduction in North American containerboard capacity announced in 2025.
Implementation of those increases has not been consistent. Some market contacts reported delays, with certain price hikes pushed into June. There are also indications that recent pricing data may reflect some level of pre-buying, as customers moved to secure tons ahead of increases taking hold.
