U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in May compared to May 2024. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 5% in April compared to the same month last year (April 2025 is the latest trade data available). Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to April 2025, according to American Forest & Paper Association.
As in previous months, the 3 major Printing-Writing categories – Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS), Coated Free Sheet (CFS), and Mechanical (MECH) papers –showed mixed performance on both a month-over-month (MoM) and year-to-date (YTD) basis. Shipments of both free sheet grades declined compared to last May as well as for the YTD. MECH grade papers, meanwhile, registered increases for both MoM and YTD.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
