Total U.S. printing-writing paper shipments for the first four months of 2026 decreased 10% in April compared to the same month in 2025, with inventory levels falling 1% from March 2026, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).
Using trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau for March 2026, net imports of total printing-writing papers declined 9% versus March 2025.
Across the three major printing-writing categories – uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) – net imports showed mixed results year over year. UFS net imports increased 11% compared to the same month last year. CFS net imports decreased 42% from March 2025. MECH net imports declined 8% year over year.