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 [email protected] or (202) 463-4716.