asian industrial packaging net sales for 2007 were $ 265 million compared with $ 180 million in 2006 .in 2005 , net sales were $ 105 million sub- sequent to international paper 2019s acquisition of a majority interest in this business in august 2005 .operating profits totaled $ 6 million in 2007 and $ 3 million in 2006 , compared with a loss of $ 4 million in consumer packaging demand and pricing for consumer packaging prod- ucts correlate closely with consumer spending and general economic activity .in addition to prices and volumes , major factors affecting the profitability of consumer packaging are raw material and energy costs , freight costs , manufacturing efficiency and product mix .consumer packaging net sales increased 12% ( 12 % ) compared with 2006 and 24% ( 24 % ) compared with 2005 .operating profits rose 15% ( 15 % ) from 2006 and 24% ( 24 % ) from 2005 levels .benefits from improved average sales price realizations ( $ 52 million ) , higher sales volumes for u.s .and european coated paperboard ( $ 9 million ) , favorable mill operations ( $ 14 million ) and contributions from international paper & sun cartonboard co. , ltd .acquired in 2006 ( $ 16 million ) , were partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs ( $ 53 million ) , an unfavorable mix of products sold ( $ 4 million ) , increased freight costs ( $ 5 million ) and other costs ( $ 3 million ) .consumer packaging in millions 2007 2006 2005 .
[['in millions', '2007', '2006', '2005'], ['sales', '$ 3015', '$ 2685', '$ 2435'], ['operating profit', '$ 198', '$ 172', '$ 160']]
north american consumer packaging net sales were $ 2.4 billion in both 2007 and 2006 com- pared with $ 2.2 billion in 2005 .operating earnings of $ 143 million in 2007 improved from $ 129 million in 2006 and $ 121 million in 2005 .coated paperboard sales volumes increased in 2007 compared with 2006 , particularly for folding carton board , reflecting improved demand .average sales price realizations substantially improved in 2007 for both folding carton board and cup stock .the impact of the higher sales prices combined with improved manufacturing performance at our mills more than offset the negative effects of higher wood and energy costs .foodservice sales volumes were slightly higher in 2007 than in 2006 .average sales prices were also higher reflecting the realization of price increases implemented to recover raw material cost increases .in addition , a more favorable mix of hot cups and food containers led to higher average margins .raw material costs for bleached board and polystyrene were higher than in 2006 , but these increases were partially offset by improved manufacturing costs reflecting increased productivity and reduced waste .shorewood sales volumes in 2007 declined from 2006 levels due to weak demand in the home enter- tainment , tobacco and display markets , although demand was stronger in the consumer products segment .sales margins declined from 2006 reflect- ing a less favorable mix of products sold .raw material costs were higher for bleached board , but this impact was more than offset by improved manufacturing operations and lower operating costs .charges to restructure operations also impacted 2007 results .entering 2008 , coated paperboard sales volumes are expected to be about even with the fourth quarter of 2007 , while average sales price realizations are expected to slightly improve .earnings should bene- fit from fewer planned mill maintenance outages compared with the 2007 fourth quarter .however , costs for wood , polyethylene and energy are expected to be higher .foodservice results are expected to benefit from increased sales volumes and higher sales price realizations .shorewood sales volumes for the first quarter 2008 are expected to seasonally decline , but this negative impact should be partially offset by benefits from cost improve- ments associated with prior-year restructuring actions .european consumer packaging net sales in 2007 were $ 280 million compared with $ 230 million in 2006 and $ 190 million in 2005 .sales volumes in 2007 were higher than in 2006 reflecting stronger market demand and improved productivity at our kwidzyn mill .average sales price realizations also improved in 2007 .operating earnings in 2007 of $ 37 million declined from $ 41 million in 2006 and $ 39 million in 2005 .the additional contribution from higher net sales was more than offset by higher input costs for wood , energy and freight .entering 2008 , sales volumes and prices are expected to be comparable to the fourth quarter .machine performance and sales mix are expected to improve ; however , wood costs are expected to be higher , especially in russia due to strong demand ahead of tariff increases , and energy costs are anticipated to be seasonally higher. .

Question: what was the percentage decline in the operating earnings in 2007 of $ 37 million declined from $ 41
Answer: -9.8%