May 23, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 3% in April 2014 compared to April 2013, with increases in year-over-year shipments in uncoated mechanical, coated mechanical and coated freesheet grades, as American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in April decreased 8% compared to April 2013. YTD shipments are down 7% in 2014. UFS imports increased 38% in March compared with a decrease in UFS export shipments of 12%.

April coated free sheet paper shipments increased 1 percent to 313,800 tons. YTD shipments of coated freesheet grades are essentially flat compared to 2013.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments also increased 5% in April, the seventh year-over-year increase in the past eight months. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 3% compared to 2013.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in April increased 1% relative to April 2013, the first year-over-year increase in the past 21 months. Imports of CM through March were down 12% relative to the same three month period in 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.