International Paper Faces Normalizing Box Demand While Operating Costs Rise

International Paper manufactures packaging products and cellulose fibers. It accounts for roughly one third of the North American corrugated packaging market. Though it has operations in Brazil, Russia, India, and China, more than three fourths of its sales come from North America. A decade of consolidation in the corrugated packaging industry has allowed International Paper to raise prices and expand margins, but increased competitive intensity and rising input costs have weighed on profitability in recent years.