The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the January 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 13% in January compared to January 2025. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 16% in January compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 3% when compared to December 2025.
Using the latest available trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau, November 2025, across the 3 major printing-writing categories – uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) – exports declined 19% while imports declined 10%, compared to November 2024. Individually, only CFS exports showed an increase, up 9%.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. The industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually.
