Story perspectives

Declining Cardboard Box Production Signals Possible Recession

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Economists utilize the "cardboard box index" to predict economic trends, as box production correlates with demand.
Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten suggests that a decline in box production could indicate a recession, akin to patterns observed before the 2008 Great Recession.
Cardboard boxes account for 75%-80% of goods shipped, making them a vital economic indicator.
The U.S. economy expanded by 3.3% in Q2 2025, fueled by increased consumer spending and reduced imports.
Analysts advise combining the cardboard box index with other metrics, such as freight tonnage, for a thorough economic analysis.

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Story summary

Economists utilize the "cardboard box index" to predict economic trends, as box production correlates with demand.
Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten suggests that a decline in box production could indicate a recession, akin to patterns observed before the 2008 Great Recession.
Cardboard boxes account for 75%-80% of goods shipped, making them a vital economic indicator.
The U.S. economy expanded by 3.3% in Q2 2025, fueled by increased consumer spending and reduced imports.
Analysts advise combining the cardboard box index with other metrics, such as freight tonnage, for a thorough economic analysis.