U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in July 2017, compared to July 2016. This is the 11th consecutive year-over-year decrease following a modest fractional increase in August 2016. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% from June 2017.

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U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased by 5% in July

U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in July 2017, compared to July 2016. This is the 11th consecutive year-over-year decrease following a modest fractional increase in August 2016. All four printing-writing grade categories posted year-over-year shipment declines in July. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% from June 2017, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.

July uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased year-over-year at the lowest rate since the last increase in August 2016. Imports of UFS decreased by 22% year-over-year in June while exports of UFS papers increased 41% year-over-year in June. The 68,200 tons exported in June was the highest level of UFS exports since March 2015.

Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in June for the 13th consecutive month. Imports of UM increased 8% year-over-year in June while exports of UM decreased 14% year-over-year in June.

July shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers declined for the second consecutive month following the only year-over-year increase in 2017. Shipments of coated one-side free sheet papers decreased 3% year-over-year in July but remain flat for the year-to-date. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 8% year-over-year in June while exports of CFS papers decreased 4% year-over-year in June.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in July, the second consecutive decline. Imports of CM decreased in June, down 5% compared to June 2016 while exports of CM increased 12% in June.

The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.