The US paper products manufacturing sector is forecasted to decline gradually from 2024 to 2028, with employee numbers decreasing from 303 thousand to 268 thousand. Between 2024 and 2025, there is an expected reduction of 4%, and a further decline of 3.1% follows in 2026. By 2027, the segment is projected to shrink by 2.8%, continuing to a 2.2% decrease by 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this period reveals an average annual decrease of 3.0% in employment, pointing towards a steady decline in workforce numbers.

Future trends to watch include:

Impact of automation and technological advancements affecting employment levels.
Shifts in consumer preferences towards digital media, reducing demand for traditional paper products.
Sustainability trends influencing industry practices, potentially affecting workforce needs.