PaperBoard Output Declines 19%

U.S paper and board production declined 18.9% in December on a year-over-year basis, a decrease of nearly 1.5 million tons, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Coated printing and writing paper alone plunged 29% for the month. Kraft linerboard production was down 30% in December to 1.22 million tons compared to December 2007. Uncoated freesheet and tissue production were much less harder hit, declining 13% and 4% respectively