Shipment of corrugated cardboard remains high in May

The shipment of corrugated cardboard packaging in Brazil remained at a high level in May, despite a record comparison basis. Data from IBPO (Brazilian Corrugated Cardboard Index), released this Wednesday by Empapel (Brazilian Paper Packaging Association), show that the sector shipped 359,799 tons of boxes, sheets and accessories in the month, a volume 0.2% lower than that recorded in May 2025, when the highest level in the historical series for the period was reached.

In the entity's assessment, performance indicates resilience of demand even in the face of a more challenging comparison scenario. This was the third consecutive year in which the shipment surpassed the 350 thousand tons mark in the month of May.

According to Empapel, the result reinforces the need to analyze the numbers in light of the indicator's history, as the sector maintained a high level of activity.

When considering the volume per business day, the performance was positive. Shipments reached an average of 14,392 tons per day, an increase of 3.8% compared to May last year.

In seasonally adjusted data, which disregard seasonal effects, the IBPO recorded 160.6 points, equivalent to 359,770 tons shipped. Compared to April, however, shipments per working day fell 6.4%, to 14,391 tons, reflecting an accommodation after the performance of previous months.

The advance occurred despite a less favorable calendar, as May 2026 had 25 working days, one less than the same period in 2025. For the association, the indicator shows that demand remained consistent.

Corrugated cardboard is used in practically all production chains, including food, beverages, hygiene, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, processing industries, logistics and e-commerce.

As it monitors the transport, storage and sale of goods, the indicator is considered a leading thermometer of Brazilian economic activity, reflecting movements in industrial production, consumption and circulation of products.

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Source: CNN