U.S. Paper, Paperboard, Pulp Capacity Continues to Erode

U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 3.1% in 2010 to a level of 91.05 million short tons, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) 51st Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard, and Pulp Capacity released this past week. Total paper and paperboard capacity previously declined 0.8% in 2008 and 2.5% in 2009.

In addition, the survey reported that a total of 22 machines and 12 mills were classified as permanently closed and removed from the survey base during 2010. Seven additional machines and two mills are slated to permanently close during 2011.

According to the survey, total paper and paperboard capacity is expected to contract by 1.4% in 2011 and then record small gains of 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, in 2012 and 2013.

The Survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for the years 2010 through 2013 for all major grades of paper, paperboard, and pulp, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey respondents represent about 90% of the U.S industry capacity.

TAPPI
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