An Economic Analysis of the U.S. Wooden Pallet and Container Industry
1
Executive Summary
This report presents a current snapshot and summary of the recent economic evolution
of the domestic wooden pallet and container industry. The analysis provides information
on the size, scope, and growth of the industry as a whole, along with its contributions to
the U.S. economy.
The industry segment analyzed in this study includes a portion of "Wood Container and
Pallet Manufacturing" (NAICS 321920).
Following the Great Recession, the industry recovered and began a period of seven
consecutive years of expansion. Robust average growth of 4.9 percent per year helped
output rise from $7.6 billion in 2009 to $10.7 billion in 2016. Last year's production
represents the highest level of output since 2007.
Figure E.1. Output
Units: Billions of 2016 Dollars
Between 2005 and 2012, NWPCA-related employment dropped by nearly 40 percent,
from almost 92,000 jobs to just 55,400. By 2013, however, employment levels began
stabilizing. Growth has accelerated in recent years, expanding 4.8 percent in 2014, 5.7
percent in 2015, and 7.4 percent in 2016. This strong performance has helped wooden
pallet and container manufacturing employment rise to over 67,000 jobs in 2016.
11.2
10.4
11.5
12.6
12.0
11.5
10.2
7.6
7.9
8.2
8.4
8.6
9.2
9.8
10.7
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Billion
2016$
