U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 9% in March 2017 compared to March 2016. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels were essentially flat from February 2017, down less than 1%, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 7% year-over-year in March. UFS imports decreased 13% in February compared to February 2016, with exports decreasing 2% year-over-year in February.
March coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 6% compared to March 2016. Imports of CFS papers increased 9% year-over-year in February, and exports increased 2% in February relative to the previous year.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 26% in March compared to March 2016. Imports of UM decreased 11% in February, with exports of UM in February decreasing 45%.
Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 12% when compared to March 2016. Imports of CM increased 6% in February compared to February 2016, and exports were down 19% in February relative to the previous year.
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.
