The Alexandria, VA-based Paperboard Packaging Council reports that folding-carton shipments reached an estimated $4.5 billion and 2.8144 million tons in the first half of 2005. Compared to 2004, the YTD 2005 shipments measured in dollars increased by 0.2%, while tons decreased by 2.1%. These results show that while tonnage has slipped, sales continue to be robust, says PPC.

Growth in folding-carton shipments during Q2 2005 has appeared somewhat lackluster compared to the same period in 2004, the trade group reports. However, when the percentage change in shipments is charted as a three-month rolling average, the growth rate remains above zero, except in April 2005. The small upturn in May and June shipments may portend a return to stronger growth.

Depending on whether dollar or tonnage figures are used, the first half of 2005 looks to be the strongest half-year in five years. Based on PPC's Trends Report series, PPC expects 2005 to finish as a stronger year than 2004 in dollar volume, but also predicts tonnage growth will continue to slip modestly.