U.S. Recovered Paper Consumption Declines

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The AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA, reports that total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in September was 2.46 million tons, 7% lower than September of last year, and 4% lower than August 2011. The decrease was observed across all grades of recovered paper, most noticeably in pulp substitutes at 10%.

Overall, the year-to-date decrease in consumption compared with the same period in 2010 remains around 4%. On the other hand, inventories increased to their highest levels for this year, led by a 12% increase in mixed inventories.

U.S. exports of recovered paper increased slightly in August compared with July. Year-to-date exports in 2011 continue to be 14% higher than last year by volume. Despite growing imports and decreasing consumption, estimated year-to-date recovery (consumption + exports – imports) is 2.6% higher than the same period last year, fueled by consistently strong exports of recovered paper.