April 30 (Reuters) - International Paper IP.N on Wednesday missed Wall Street estimates for first-quarter sales and profit due to softer-than-expected demand in North America and Europe.

Demand for International Paper's corrugated cardboard and fiber packaging was hit, as consumers reined in spending amid persistent inflation and fears of a recession due to a global trade war.

The economic uncertainty has hurt demand for several companies, including consumer goods giants such as PepsiCo PEP.O and Coca-Cola KO.N.

"In this uncertain macroeconomic environment, we are focusing on actions within our control," International Paper CEO Andy Silvernail said.

The Memphis, Tennessee-headquartered company recorded a boost to its sales and earnings from its acquisition of UK rival DS Smith for 5.8 billion pounds ($7.2 billion), which was completed in January.

The company has focused on streamlining its business by reducing the number of mill and box plants.

Earlier this month, it announced plans to sell its five corrugated box plants in Europe to meet the regulatory commitments for the acquisition of DS Smith.

International Paper's shares fell about 2% in premarket trading. The stock has lost about 11% of its value so far this year.

For the quarter ended March 31, International Paper posted net sales of $5.90 billion, compared with analysts' estimates of $6.22 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Adjusted profit per share came in at 23 cents per share, compared with analysts' estimates of 37 cents per share.

Last week, its peer Packaging Corp of America PKG.N issued a weak second-quarter profit forecast, hurt by the uncertain macroeconomic environment.

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

((Savyata.Mishra@thomsonreuters.com))