Market Data

Paper PPI: A Procurement Review Checklist

Paper, up about 10.0% from a year ago. Paper is the source's product category. It is not a paperboard, corrugated container or finished packaging index. Earlier descriptions on these URLs overstated that scope.

The BLS Paper Producer Price Index (WPU0913) reads 282.27 index (1982=100) for Aug 2026, up about 10.0% from a year ago. The reference period identifies the observation; a later website refresh does not turn it into a daily price. This is a producer price index, not a delivered quote in dollars per unit.

Paper is the source's product category. It is not a paperboard, corrugated container or finished packaging index. Earlier descriptions on these URLs overstated that scope.

Use a review trigger, not a trading signal

Changes in paper producer prices do not establish a change in shipping volumes, factory orders or packaging demand. Those questions require quantity or activity observations over matching periods.

A monthly price index cannot identify the cheapest day to buy. Start with the date material is required, available inventory, lead time and the cost of a stockout. Compare current quotes on equivalent delivery and payment terms. An apparent price saving that requires additional storage or financing may not reduce the total purchase cost.

Before approving the purchase

  • For paper procurement, check grade, basis weight, finish, recycled content and contract terms. For boxes or cartons, obtain the appropriate paperboard or container benchmark and supplier specification. Converting, printing, adhesives and delivery require separate cost evidence.
  • Check the observation month and the exact agency series used in any escalation clause.
  • Compare the quote with your previous comparable invoice, including freight and surcharges.
  • Document the reason for changing order timing and the operational risk of waiting.

Source and update notes

The source is BLS series WPU0913, also published by FRED at https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WPU0913. The linked data page provides the current observation and available history. A successful refresh changes readings only when the source returns changed data. Missing or failed observations must retain their original periods and be reported as unavailable or delayed.

Published 2026-07-13.