U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in November 2017, compared to November 2016. Shipments of uncoated free sheet shipments remained flat while the remaining three major printing-writing grades declined year-over-year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased less than one-half of 1% from October 2017, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
November uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments were flat year-over-year following year-over-year increases in two of the previous three months. Imports of UFS decreased by 30% year-over-year in October – the fifth consecutive monthly decrease, with imports down 12% year-to-date.
Exports of UFS papers increased 30% year-over-year in October, following the 26% year-over-year increase in September, the sixth double-digit percent year-over-year increase in a row.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in November declined by a double-digit percentage for the second consecutive month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 9% year-over-year in October, the fourth consecutive year-over-year decline. Exports of CFS papers increased 6% year-over-year in October – the fourth consecutive year-over-year monthly increase thus far in 2017.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in November for the sixth consecutive month. Imports of CM were essentially flat or just under one-half of 1% compared to October 2016. Exports of CM increased 14% in October to 33,000 tons and for the year sit 3% lower than year-to-date 2016.
Exports of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 4% year-over-year in September, but reached second-highest level in the past 24 months. Overall shipments of UM have declined year-over-year for seventeen consecutive months. Imports of UM decreased 13% year-over-year in September.
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.
