SW · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Pricing and Input Costs

Smurfit Westrock plc · 2026-11-04 · Importance 12 · Surprise 6

Prices for corrugated containers and consumer packaging reflect industry cyclicality, market capacity and competition, raw-material prices, operating costs, and supply-demand balances. Containerboard and paperboard price movements influence prices for corrugated containers and consumer packaging, respectively. Customer price-adjustment clauses may not fully offset cost increases, and the company typically experiences a three- to six-month lag between raw-material price increases and realizing higher customer pricing. The filing says announced increases may not be fully realized or sufficient to offset higher costs.

Key facts

• In the nine months ended September 30, 2026, Europe, MEA and APAC higher costs included $60 million higher energy costs, $57 million higher freight costs and $26 million higher labor costs, partly offset by $122 million lower raw material costs. source
• During 2026, inflation, including energy prices and freight costs, was unprecedented; if it remains elevated, it could cause further cost pressures for Smurfit Westrock. source
• For corrugated and consumer packaging products, there is typically a three- to six-month lag between raw-material price increases and realization of higher customer pricing. source