Feb 26, 2016. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in January 2016 compared to January 2015. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% from December levels, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased slightly less than 1% relative to shipments in January 2015, the first consecutive three month period of year-over-year increases since December 2009. For the year of 2015, UFS imports were down 12% compared to 2014, and down 27% year-over-year in December.

January coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 5% compared to January 2015, with annual shipments down 6% versus 2014. Imports of CFS papers during 2015 were 2% higher than 2014, but decreased 2% year-over-year in December.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 11% when compared with January 2015. Imports of UM papers were also down 11% in December relative to December 2014, and were down 15% for the year.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in January decreased 15% relative to January 2015. Imports of CM increased in December, up 3% compared to December 2014. For 2015, imports of CM were up 9% compared to the previous year.

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.