U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in June 2017, compared to June 2016. All four printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in June. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% from May 2017, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 3% year-over-year in June following the increase last month. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 25% year-over-year in May and exports of CFS papers increased 12% year-over-year in May.
June uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined 4% year-over-year. Imports of UFS decreased by 4% year-over-year in May while exports of UFS papers increased 23% year-over-year in May.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined 5% year-over-year in June, the fourth decline in 2017. Imports of CM decreased in May, down 12% compared to May 2016 while exports of CM increased 30% in May.
Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 21% year-over-year in June. Both imports and exports of UM decreased year-over-year in May, down 12% and 46%, respectively.
The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.
