<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          26,909
<SECURITIES>                                    26,691
<RECEIVABLES>                                  295,290
<ALLOWANCES>                                     5,299
<INVENTORY>                                    210,098
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               873,040
<PP&E>                                       1,759,134
<DEPRECIATION>                                 819,592
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,176,865
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          434,144
<BONDS>                                        696,669
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         7,175
<OTHER-SE>                                     841,644
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,176,865
<SALES>                                      2,847,831
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,847,831
<CGS>                                        2,208,092
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,208,092
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,745
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              57,194
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 63,719
<INCOME-TAX>                                    60,111
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,617
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,617
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.00
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00