A Slump in Cardboard Box Sales Is Stoking Fears of Lackluster Holiday Shopping
Stacks of cardboard boxes at a manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan.
Photographer: Emily Elconin/BloombergAn extended slowdown in sales of cardboard boxes is intensifying concern that this holiday season will be a disappointing one for US retailers.
US corrugated box shipments fell to the lowest third-quarter reading since 2015, maintaining the more measured pace seen in the previous quarter, according to Friday data from industry group Fibre Box Association. Packaging companies in recent weeks have warned that economic uncertainty is weighing on retailers and consumers.