US printing-writing paper shipments decreased 11% in December 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, with total year-to-date shipments down 8%, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. Total inventory levels also fell 2% when compared to November 2025.
Purchases across the three major categories – uncoated free sheet, coated free sheet and mechanical paper – declined 14% in October 2025 compared to October 2024, based on the latest available trade data from the US Census Bureau. Mechanical paper purchases saw the largest individual decrease, falling 18% over the same period.
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.
