Jan 22, 2009. /Lesprom.com/. Total containerboard paper production decreased 26.1% in December 2008 compared to December 2007, informed Lesprom Network according to the American Forest & Paper Association’s December 2008 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report. Total containerboard paper production, however, for year-end 2008 was down just 3.7% when compared to the twelve months of 2007. Total exports fell nearly 25.0% over the same month last year. This, however, is only the third month during 2008 in which exports declined from year-ago exports. U.S. containerboard operating rate was down 25.4% in December versus year-ago and 4.4% when comparing year over year operating rates. The inventory levels for U.S. containerboard decreased from November 2008, down 26,118 tons.