US printing-writing paper shipments down four percent in October 2022

Photo: Daniel R Blume/Wikimedia Commons

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its October 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in October compared to October 2021.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 6% in October compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to September 2022.

  • U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in October increased 7% compared to last October, while the inventory level increased 1% compared to September 2022. UFS imports increased 41% while exports decreased 12% in September 2022.
  • Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 1% compared to October 2021 while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to September 2022. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to September 2021, up 62% and 16% respectively.
  • U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in October remained essentially flat (?0.1%) compared to last October while the inventory level increased 3% compared to September 2022. CM imports increased 31% while exports decreased 12% in September 2022.
  • Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 22% compared to October 2021 while the inventory level increased 33% compared to September 2022. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to September 2021, down 11% and 38% respectively.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.