<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                          40,798
<SECURITIES>                                    30,319
<RECEIVABLES>                                  340,816
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,535
<INVENTORY>                                    237,581
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               689,600
<PP&E>                                       1,696,819
<DEPRECIATION>                                 789,176
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,190,684
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          412,112
<BONDS>                                        651,759
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    172,500
<COMMON>                                         7,175
<OTHER-SE>                                     758,626
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,190,684
<SALES>                                        669,231
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               669,231
<CGS>                                          512,876
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  512,876
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   852
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,578
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 72,203
<INCOME-TAX>                                    28,448
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             43,248
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    43,248
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .43