US printing-writing paper shipments down 15 percent in February 2023

Photo: SageRoss/Wikimedia Commons

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published its February 2023 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 15% in February compared to February 2022.

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

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in February remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to January 2023.

February shipments were down in all 3 major P-W grades when compared to the same month the year before, with uncoated free sheet papers recording the smallest year- ago decrease of 9%. In January, compared to year-ago levels, net imports increased in coated and uncoated free sheet papers while net imports of mechanical papers decreased by 2%.

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.