Sep 24, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in August 2014 compared to August 2013, with total paper inventories remaining unchanged compared to July, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in August decreased 11% compared to August 2013. YTD shipments are down 9% in 2014. Imports of UFS increased 38% in July and were up 23% in 2014, the ninth consecutive monthly increase.

August coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 7% compared to 2013. YTD shipments of coated freesheet grades are down 2%. Exports of CFS papers increased 3% in July, the third year-over-year monthly increase in 2014.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 7% in August, the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 5% compared to 2013.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in August increased slightly less than 1% relative to August 2013 and are down 5% for the year. Exports of CM grades increased 54% year-over-year in July and are up 5% compared to the first seven months of 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.