Jun 27, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments in May 2013 were down 7% compared to May 2012, with total inventory levels increasing 1% from April, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network.

May shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 2% compared to May 2012, with year-to-date CFS shipments up less than 1% compared to 2012. Imports of CFS papers increased 22% in April compared to the same period last year.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 5% year-over-year in May. For the year, shipments are down 4% in 2013. Imports of UFS in April increased 26% compared to April 2012.

May uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 11% when compared to May 2012, with year-over-year imports through April up 5%.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in May decreased 13% compared to May 2012. Shipments of CM are down 12% for the year, with imports through April up 14%.

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.