U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in December 2014 compared to December 2013, with total paper inventories flat compared to November. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in December decreased 8% compared to December 2013. Shipments for the year were down 9% relative to 2013.

Printing Papers

U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased by 4% in December 2014

Jan 23, 2015. /Lesprom Network/.  U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in December 2014 compared to December 2013, with total paper inventories flat compared to November, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in December decreased 8% compared to December 2013. Shipments for the year were down 9% relative to 2013. Imports of UFS increased 4% in November and were up 21% year-to-date compared to the first eleven months of 2013.

December coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 1% compared to 2013. Annual shipments of coated freesheet grades in 2014 decreased 2% compared to the previous year. Exports of CFS papers were down 6% for the year compared to the first eleven months of 2013, with imports increasing 1% in November and 4 percent for the year.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 2% in December but were up 4% for the year compared to 2013. Imports of UM papers through November were down 6 percent, with exports 18% below the 2013 level.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in December increased 4% relative to December 2013 and were down 4% for the year. Exports of CM grades were essentially flat in November but were up 6% compared to the first 11 months of 2013. Imports were down 16% through November.

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.