Cardboard Flashes Economic Warning Not Seen Since 2008 Financial Crisis

Fact   #indicator  

#indicator An under-the-radar economic indicator is flashing a warning signal to the broader economy as consumer spending slows down. The indicator in question? Cardboard boxes.

According to data from the Fibre Box Association, US cardboard box shipments declined 8.4% in the fourth-quarter, representing the largest quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2009, amid the Great Financial Crisis.

Cardboard boxes are an overlooked barometer of the health of the economy as they are a massive component of consumer spending. Whether its ecommerce or shipping bulk goods to stores, cardboard boxes play a role.