U.S. quarterly cardboard box sales hit a decade low for the same period, raising fears of weak holiday retail performance

U.S. cardboard box sales continue to slow down, further intensifying concerns about weak retail performance during this year's holiday season. According to data released on Friday by the industry organization, the American Corrugated Box Association, the shipment volume of corrugated boxes in the third quarter fell to the lowest level for the same period since 2015, continuing the sluggish trend from the previous quarter. In recent weeks, several packaging companies have warned that economic uncertainty is suppressing retailers' and consumers' willingness to spend. Corrugated boxes are primarily used for product transportation packaging and in-store display arrangements, and their shipment volume is often seen as a leading indicator of demand for food and consumer goods. This time of year is crucial for the cardboard industry, as shipment volumes typically peak in October in preparation for the holiday season. A survey by Bloomberg Industry Research of box manufacturers shows that October orders are flat or below normal levels. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index has dropped to a five-month low, and manufacturing activity has declined for the eighth consecutive month. Thomas Hassfurther, president of Packaging Corp of America, stated last month, "Clearly, the current economy is not providing us with much of a boost. The ongoing tariff policies and a host of other issues have indeed impacted operations."