U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in June 2025 compared to June 2024. With a projected decline of exports, U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased 4% in June compared to the same month last year. Printing-writing paper inventory levels increased when compared to May 2025 – the second consecutive increase, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers for the first six months of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024 decreased 1%. While the UFS inventory level increased 4% compared to May 2025, the current level is 16% lower than June 2024.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 3% compared to June 2024 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to May 2025. CFS imports decreased 24% while exports increased 17% in May 2025.
U.S. shipments of mechanical (MECH) papers increased 2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. MECH inventory levels increased 25% compared to last month. MECH imports decreased 13% while exports increased 31% in May 2025.
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.
