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Cardboard Box Index Signals Economic Slowdown Ahead

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The cardboard box index may indicate broad economic trends, says Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten.
The index tracks corrugated box production, a proxy for shipping non-durable goods.
U.S. box makers cut production capacity by 9%, signaling weaker demand and possible GDP and unemployment effects.
Wooten cautions no single statistic predicts a recession, noting recent recessions have been significant shocks.

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Story summary

The cardboard box index may indicate broad economic trends, says Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten.
The index tracks corrugated box production, a proxy for shipping non-durable goods.
U.S. box makers cut production capacity by 9%, signaling weaker demand and possible GDP and unemployment effects.
Wooten cautions no single statistic predicts a recession, noting recent recessions have been significant shocks.