Latest AF&PA Printing-Writing Statistics Report Reveals 4 Percent Decrease in Paper Shipments

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its September 2015 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, released on Oct. 22, 2015, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4 percent in September compared to September 2014. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 4 percent from August.

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments were slightly ahead (less than 1 percent) of comparable shipments in September 2014, the second increase in the past four months. Imports of UFS decreased 25 percent year-over-year in August.
• September coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 1 percent compared to September 2014. Imports of CFS papers increased 15 percent in August, the fifth year-over-year increase in the past six months.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 7 percent when compared with September 2014. Imports of UM papers were down 15 percent in August, the 14th consecutive monthly decline.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in September decreased 18 percent relative to September 2014. Imports of CM increased in August, up 18 percent, the fourth year-over-year increase in the past six months.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or (202) 463-2448.

About AF&PA
The AF&PA serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative—Better Practices, Better Planet 2020.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures more than $200 billion in products annually, and employs approximately 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states.