Feb 23, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. containerboard paper production again rose sharply when compared to same month last year, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Total containerboard paper production saw an increase of 335,500 tons or 13.8% over January 2009. Production increase compared to December 2009; and the daily average percent change was up 1.1%. The recent reduction in capacity is reflected in the current operating rates. The containerboard operating rate for January 2010 rose 15.3 points to 93.1% over January 2009. As with total containerboard linerboard production saw a large increase over last year. It rose 14.1% from January 2009. The current linerboard production saw a slight increase compared to December 2009 and the daily average rose 1.5%. Once again production for exports showed a substantial increase of 72.4% over this time last year but was down 11.7% compared to December 2009. Linerboard’s January operating rate mirrors the rise, increasing 15.0 points to 92.5%. January medium production was up 88,600 tons or 12.9% from January 2009. Production was flat compared to December 2009 which was reflected in the daily average percent change which rose just 0.1%. Exports as well, showed a sizeable increasing, posting a 33.2% growth over January 2009. The January medium operating rate showed the largest gain increasing 16.3 points over January 2009.