Brazil's Corrugated Cardboard Shipments Rise 0.2% in May, IBPO Data Show

Brazil's corrugated cardboard industry shipped 359,799 tonnes of boxes, sheets and accessories in May 2026, according to the Brazilian Corrugated Cardboard Index (IBPO), developed by Empapel, the Brazilian Association of Paper Packaging, in partnership with the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

The total represents a 0.2% increase compared with May 2025, despite comparisons against a high base. According to the IBPO, May 2025 recorded the highest shipment volume for the month since the index was introduced. Even so, shipments remained above 360,000 tonnes during May 2026, indicating continued activity across the sector.

On a working-day basis, performance showed stronger growth. Average daily shipments reached 14,392 tonnes, up 3.8% from the same month a year earlier. The comparison reflects that May 2026 had 25 working days, one fewer than May 2025, suggesting demand remained resilient despite a less favourable calendar.

Preliminary seasonally adjusted data also pointed to stable activity at an elevated level. The IBPO index stood at 160.6 points in May, equivalent to 359,770 tonnes shipped. On the same basis, the seasonally adjusted daily average was 14,391 tonnes.

Corrugated cardboard is widely used across production and distribution chains, serving industries including food and beverages, hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics and e-commerce. Because of its close link to the transportation, storage and sale of goods, the material is regarded as a leading indicator of Brazil's economic activity, reflecting trends in industrial production, consumer demand and product circulation.