AF&PA Report: Total Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 2 Percent in May

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its May 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the May 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report released on June 21, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2 percent in May compared to May 2016. The uncoated printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in May, while the coated grades either increased or remained level. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1 percent from April 2017.

• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers were the bright spot in May compared to last year, increasing 2 percent; the third year-over-year increase in the last 12 months. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 3 percent year-over-year in April, while exports of CFS papers decreased 1 percent year-over-year in April.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments were flat year-over-year in May; increasing by less than one percent, making it the third year-over-year increase in the past 12 months. Imports of CM decreased in April, down 14 percent compared to April 2016 and exports of CM were down 22 percent in April.
• May uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined by 2 percent, the lowest year-over-year decrease in the past 12 months. Imports of UFS increased by less than one-half of one percent year-over-year in April while exports of UFS papers increased 1 percent year-over-year in April.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 12 percent year-over-year in May for the eleventh consecutive month. Imports of UM decreased 11 percent year-over-year in April, while exports of UM increased 10 percent in April.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or (202) 463-4716.