U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in February 2018, compared to February 2017. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased 4% in February, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% from January 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers began 2018 4% lower than January 2017 imports, while exports began the year 12% less than January 2017.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in February 2018 increased slightly compared to February 2017 shipments. Imports of UFS decreased by 14% year-over-year in January – the eighth consecutive decrease of 12% or more. Exports of UFS papers decreased 5% in January compared to January 2017.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in February declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month. CFS inventories increased less than 0.5%, compared to January. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 4% year-over-year in January, the seventh consecutive year-over-year decline. Exports of CFS papers decreased 5% year-over-year in January.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month while shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in February 2018 for the 20th consecutive month.
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.
