Economic Indicator? Recovered Paper Consumption on the Rise

Date: June 22, 2010

Source: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)

Total domestic consumption of recovered paper rose by 1.3 percent to 2.6 million tons in May representing a 7.1 percent gain since last year; that is, according to the latest report by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Compared to the same five months of 2009, consumption is up 8.5%. mixed paper increased 5.8 percent versus last year, newspaper increased 5.2 percent, corrugated increased 11.7 percent and pulp substitutes were up 2.2 percent. High grade deinking was the one exception, with a yearly decline of 14.6 percent.

PRESS RELEASE:

May 2010: Recovered Paper Report Total Recycled Paper Consumption Rose 7.1%

According to the May 2010 Recovered Paper Monthly Report published today by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper was 2.6 million tons, a 1.3% increase from last month, and an increase from May 2009 of 7.1%. Compared to the same five months of 2009, consumption is up 8.5%.

The current month consumption changes compared to May 2009 are as follows: Mixed (+5.8%), News (+5.2%), Corrugated (+11.7%), Pulp Substitutes (+2.2%), High Grade Deinking (-14.6%).

The April 2010 U.S. exports of recovered paper stock increased to 1.8 million tons, a 7.7% increase from April 2009, and a 3.5% increase year-to-date.

The April 2010 U.S. imports of recovered paper stock decreased by 2,161 tons to 63,712 tons, a 3.3% decrease from last month. Compared to April 2009, however, imports are up by 207.0%.

For additional information, contact Mitko Yordanov at mitko_yordanov@afandpa.org or at 202-463-2726.

AF&PA members can access the full reports on the AF&PA StatMill web site in the Recovered Paper section: www.afandpa.statmill.org.

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