Mar 24, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 2.5% in 2009 to 93.9 million tons. The decline took place against a backdrop of a severe global economic recession. Paper and paperboard production is rebounding from the recession-induced lows reached in early 2009, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. 14 U.S. mills were permanently closed in 2009, shutting down 16 paper and paperboard machines, and an additional 11 machines were permanently shut down at other mills. Total paper and paperboard capacity is projected to decline 3.4% in 2010 and then remain essentially stable in 2011 and 2012. U.S. industry capacity data for the years 2009 through 2012 for all major grades of paper, paperboard, and pulp, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills.