** Deutsche Bank initiates coverage on nine U.S. packaging firms including Avery Dennison AVY.N, Packaging Corp of America PKG.N, International Paper IP.N and Ball Corp BALL.N
** Brokerage says the U.S. packaging sector is navigating a complex and evolving economic landscape in early 2026
** Adds that soft consumer demand and cost inflation are now being compounded by a high oil price environment and significant tariff-related pressures, creating a challenging backdrop for the industry
** Brokerage notes in the current macroeconomic environment, it favor companies with diversified portfolios that can capitalize on both the resilience of essential goods and sustained spending from higher-end consumers
(Reporting by Megavarshini G. Somasundaram in Bengaluru)
((Megavarshini.SomasundaramGnanasundari@thomsonreuters.com))