Uncoated free sheet paper shipments in March decreased 6% compared to March 2013. Year-to-date shipments are down 7% in 2014.
March coated free sheet paper shipments increased 4%, the first year-over-year increase in eight months. Year-to-date shipments of coated freesheet grades are essentially flat compared to 2013.
Uncoated mechanical paper shipments also increased 4% in March, the sixth year-over-year increase in the past seven months. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 2% compared to 2013.
Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 4% compared to March 2013 to 237,000 tons. Imports of CM through February were down 9% relative to the same period in 2013.
The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.
