Oct. 29, 2009 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) said that U.S. consumption of recycled paper in 2009 is down versus comparative periods in 2008.

In AF&PA's September 2009 Recycled Paper Monthly report, U.S. industry consumption of recycled paper was 2.4 million tons, a 1.8% increase from last month, but a decrease from September 2008 of 13.8%. Over the same nine months of 2008, consumption is down 15.5%.

September 2009 consumption changes compared to September 2008 are as follows:

• Mixed (-13.2%)
• News (-15.2%)
• Corrugated (-15.4%)
• Pulp Substitutes (+4.9%)
• High Grade Deinking (-9.7%)

AUGUST 2009 IMPORT/EXPORT NUMBERS

The August 2009 U.S. imports of recovered paper stock fell by 370 tons to 25,960 tons, a 1.4% drop from July 2009.

The August 2009 U.S. exports of recovered paper stock increased to 1.8 million tons, a 4.8% increase from August 2008, and a 1.8% increase year-to-date.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association