Jun 27, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in May 2014 compared to May 2013, with total paper inventories increasing 2% from April levels, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in May decreased 10% compared to May 2013. YTD shipments are down 8% in 2014. Year-to-date UFS imports through April are up 19% compared to the same period in 2013.

Coated free sheet paper shipments in May decreased 6% compared to the first five months of 2013. YTD shipments of coated freesheet grades are essentially down 1% and imports through April are down 4%.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 8% in May, the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 3% compared to 2013.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in May decreased 7% relative to May 2013, the second year-over-year decrease in the last three months. Imports of CM through April were down 12% relative to the same four month period in 2013.

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.