<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          37,682
<SECURITIES>                                    33,578
<RECEIVABLES>                                  337,754
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,630
<INVENTORY>                                    260,460
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               737,649
<PP&E>                                       1,852,829
<DEPRECIATION>                                 857,414
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,387,540
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          457,116
<BONDS>                                        791,026
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    119,756
<COMMON>                                         7,175
<OTHER-SE>                                     793,682
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,387,540
<SALES>                                      2,788,075
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,788,075
<CGS>                                        2,148,105
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,148,105
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,920
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              55,481
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                280,075
<INCOME-TAX>                                   107,433
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            170,871
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   170,871
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.77
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.73