.4 billion in 2005 and $ 1.5 bil- lion in 2004 . sales volumes in 2006 were higher than in 2005 at our eastern european mills due to stron- ger market demand . average sales price realizations increased in 2006 in both eastern and western european markets . operating earnings in 2006 rose 20% ( 20 % ) from 2005 , but were 15% ( 15 % ) below 2004 levels . the improvement in 2006 compared with 2005 .