Box Makers Struggle to Pass on War Costs as Demand Stays Weak

Packaging producers can’t catch a break as the conflict in the Middle East deals the latest blow to the industry’s protracted downturn.

Box producers have been facing a slump ever since the pandemic e-commerce boom eased, as consumer demand weakened due to inflation and then tariffs hit. Now the industry is facing more pressure, this time as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz raises energy prices.