A new report by the American Forest & Paper Association shows that domestic production for paper and paperboard declined 4.9 percent to 88.4 million tons in 2008, the lowest production amount in 15 years.
"These results follow a modest 0.8 percent decline in 2007, and reflect the severity of the recession in 2008 on the paper and paperboard industry in the United States," said Stan Lancey, AF&PA’s chief economist.
The report, 2008 Statistical Summary for Paper, Paperboard and Wood Pulp, shows the peak year for paper and paperboard production in the United States was 1999 when production totaled 98.6 million tons.
Ironically, worldwide economic forces suppressed imports to and boosted exports from the U.S. during 2008, according to Lancey. The report shows imports of paper and paperboard declined 9.5 percent last year, while exports increased 6.1 percent to an all-time high of 15.5 million tons.
The 2008 Statistical Summary is available in hard copy and PDF format from AF&PA. Contact Karen Hibdon by phone at 202-463-2724 or email at Karen_Hibdon@AFandPA.org for further information.