U.S.printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in April 2018 compared to April 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased less than 0.5% from March. Imports of printing-writing papers decreased less than 0.5% compared to March 2017 imports, while exports remained flat compared to March 2018, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in April 2018 increased year-over-year, the third increase in four months. Imports of UFS decreased 22% year-over-year in March – the tenth consecutive decrease of 12% or more. Exports of UFS papers increased 25% in March compared to March 2017.
Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in April 2018 by more than 20%. Imports of UM decreased 1% year-over-year in March. Exports of UM decreased 45%year-over-year in March.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper and coated mechanical (CM) papers in April both declined year-over-year for the eleventh consecutive month. Imports of CM papers increased 33% compared to March 2017, partly on the strength of a 47% year-over-year increase in CM imports from Canada.
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.
