U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in October 2017, compared to October 2016. Shipments of uncoated free sheet managed a year-over-year increase but this was more than offset by decreases in the remaining three major printing-writing grades. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down 9% in October.

Schreibpapier

U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased by 7% in October

U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in October 2017, compared to October 2016, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.

Shipments of uncoated free sheet managed a year-over-year increase but this was more than offset by decreases in the remaining three major printing-writing grades. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down 9% in October. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 9% from September 2017.

October uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the second time this year. Imports of UFS decreased by 12%year-over-year in September – the fourth consecutive decrease of 12% or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers continue to climb, up 26% year-over-year in September, the fifth consecutive increase of 17% or higher.

Recent mill shuts leave coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments down year-over-year. This is a significant change from last month’s peak for the year, as two recent mill shuts factor in to the decline this month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 17% year-over-year in September, the third consecutive year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, exports of CFS papers increased 4% year-over-year in September, the seventh increase in the past nine months.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in October for the fifth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased in September, up 23% compared to September 2016. Exports of CM decreased, down 9% in September to 24,200 tons – the lowest level in more than five years.

Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers have declined year-over-year in every month when compared to the same month in 2016. Imports of UM decreased 13% year-over-year in September and exports of UM decreased 4% year-over-year in September.

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.