(Sharecast News) - Paper and packaging maker DS Smith said third-quarter trading was in line with expectations despite "challenging" market conditions.

In a brief trading update issued on Wednesday, the company said like-for-like corrugated box volume performance continued to improve compared with the first half of the financial year, with flat volumes in the period since November 1.

North America and Eastern Europe saw good growth in the quarter, offset by a weaker performance in Northern Europe, it added.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com