AF&PA Releases March 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 26 percent in July compared to July 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased five percent when compared to June 2020. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 22 percent compared to July 2019 while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 14 percent and 36 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July decreased 14 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 22 percent and 29 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 46 percent compared to July 2019 while the inventory level decreased eight percent compared to June 2020. CM imports decreased 67 percent while exports increased 39 percent in June 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July decreased 27 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 19 percent compared to June 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 48 percent and 59 percent respectively.

*BillerudKorsnäs has entered into an agreement to acquire Verso for a purchase price of approximately USD 825 million in cash, corresponding to USD 27.00 per share. *Verso is a leading producer of coated papers in North America with reported net sales for the last twelve months ended 30 September 2021 of USD 1 264 million and adjusted EBITDA of USD 158 million. *The purchase price corresponds to an enterprise value / adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 6x for the last twelve months ended 30 September 2021. The acquisition will immediately be accretive to earnings per share and create significant shareholder value over time with a more profitable product mix. *BillerudKorsnäs will build one of the most cost-efficient and sustainable paperboard platforms in North America by converting some of Verso’s assets into paperboard machines with an estimated capex of up to SEK 9 billion. *The acquisition and transformation will be financed through a combination of a rights issue of up to SEK 3.5 billion, additional debt and operating cash flow. *The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the approval of Verso’s shareholders as well as the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Neenah announces the highly anticipated relaunch of Touché Papers. With new color additions to the line, Neenah now has a complete portfolio of the best-selling soft touch papers on the market. The name Touché, which comes from the French verb toucher, meaning, “to touch,” depicts the essence of these papers. “Soft touch papers are ideal for projects that are meant to get noticed. Handing someone a business card that not only looks beautiful, but also feels unique is guaranteed to make an impression. An elegant book cover with this soft, subtle texture instantly invites the consumer to reach out and touch it. These papers are elegant and sophisticated, are known for their on-press performance, and offer a luxurious touch like no other paper can,” says Auburne Gahlman, Marketing Manager, Neenah. Click Read More below for additional information.