March shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased less than 1% compared to March 2012, with year-to-date CFS shipments essentially flat through the 1Q.
Uncoated free sheet papers shipments of 753,000 tons in March were 6% below the same period last year, with imports increasing 12% year-over-year in February and exports declining 12%.
March uncoated mechanical paper shipments decreased 13% when compared to March 2012, with year-over-year exports through February up 28%.
Coated mechanical shipments in March decreased 9% compared to March 2012 to 247,800 tons. Imports of coated mechanical increased year-over-year through February, up 12%.
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.