Total U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in April 2017 compared to April 2016. All four printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in April, though the decline for coated free sheet was less than one-half of one percent. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% from March 2017, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined year-over-year in April, the eighth consecutive year-over-year decrease. Imports of UFS increased 3% year-over-year in March and exports of UFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in March.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers were essentially flat in April compared to last year. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in March and exports of CFS papers increased 14% year-over-year in March.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased year-over-year in April, the third consecutive year-over-year decrease. Imports of CM decreased in March, down 6% compared to March 2016 and exports of CM were down 29% in March.
Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in April for the tenth consecutive month. Imports of UM increased 4% year-over-year in March and exports of UM increased 2% in February.
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.
