The American Forest & Paper Association has released its September 2014 Printing-Writing Paper Report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4 percent in September compared to September 2013, with total paper inventories decreasing 6 percent compared to August.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in September decreased 6 percent compared to September 2013. YTD shipments are down 9 percent in 2014. Imports of UFS increased 34 percent in August and were up 24 percent in 2014, the tenth consecutive monthly increase.
September coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 6 percent compared to 2013. YTD shipments of coated freesheet grades are down 2 percent. Exports of CFS papers decreased 13 percent in August and are down 4 percent for the year compared to the first eight months of 2013.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 5 percent in September, the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 5 percent compared to 2013.
Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in September decreased 1 percent relative to September 2013 and are down 5 percent for the year. Exports of CM grades increased 26 percent year-over-year in July and are up 8 percent compared to the first eight months of 2013.
