AF&PA Finalizes 2008 Statistical Summary
WASHINGTON—A new report by the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) presents final data for the U.S. paper and paperboard industry for 2008, and shows total production of these products declined 4.9 percent to 88.4 million tons, the lowest production level 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 AF&PA Chief Economist Dr. Stanley Lancey.
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.
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 in 2008 while exports increased 6.1 percent to an all-time high of 15.5 million tons.
In addition to these findings, the report presents a broad range of industry statistics including:
· Grade-level production and new supply data for most paper and paperboard products
· Fiber utilization and recovery data
· Grade-level capacity data for pulp, paper, and paperboard
· Industry employment, wage, and profitability
For more information, contact Karen Hibdon by phone at 202-463-2724 or email at Karen_Hibdon@AFandPA.org.