U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in July 2018 compared to July 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% from June. Imports of printing-writing papers in June increased 11% compared to June 2017 imports, while exports declined 19% compared to June 2017, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper imports increased year-over-year for the second consecutive month in June following 12 consecutive year-over-year declines. Exports of UFS papers decreased 17% in June compared to June 2017.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 6% year-over-year in July 2018. Imports of CFS increased 4% year-over-year in June. Exports of CFS decreased 13% year-over-year in June.
Shipments of coated mechanical (CM) paper and uncoated mechanical (UM) papers both decreased year-over-year in July for at least the 20th consecutive month. Imports of CM papers increased 39% compared to June 2017, while exports of UM papers decreased 40% compared to last June.
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.
