Jan 28, 2016. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in December 2015 compared to December 2014. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% from November levels, as American Forest & Paper Association reported.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 1% relative to shipments in December 2014, the fourth year-over-year increase during 2015. For the year, UFS shipments were down 1%. Imports of UFS decreased 15% year-over-year in November and were down 10% YTD compared to 2014.

December coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments were flat (up less than 1%) compared to December 2014, with annual shipments down 6% versus 2014. Imports of CFS papers decreased 18% in November.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 7% when compared with December 2014. UM shipments were also down 7% for the year, following a 2% increase in 2014. Imports of UM papers were down 10% in November, the seventeenth consecutive monthly decline.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in December decreased 28% relative to December 2014 and were down 16% for the year. Imports of CM decreased in November by 12% compared to the same period last year and were up 10% compared to 2014.

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.