U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2% in May 2017 compared to May 2016, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
The uncoated printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in May, while the coated grades either increased or remained level. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% from April 2017.
Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers were the bright spot in May compared to last year, increasing 2%; the third year-over-year increase in the last 12 months. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 3% year-over-year in April while exports of CFS papers decreased 1% year-over-year in April.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments were flat year-over-year in May; increasing by less than one percent, making it the third year-over-year increase in the past 12 months. Imports of CM decreased in April, down 14% compared to April 2016 and exports of CM were down 22% in April.
May uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined by 2%, the lowest year-over-year decrease in the past 12 months. Imports of UFS increased by less than one-half of one percent year-over-year in April while exports of UFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in April.
Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 12% year-over-year in May for the eleventh consecutive month. Imports of UM decreased 11% year-over-year in April while exports of UM increased 10% in April.
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.
