According to the February 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in February compared to February 2017. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased four percent in February. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent from January 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers began 2018 four percent lower than January 2017 imports, while exports began the year 12 percent less than January 2017.
- Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in February 2018 increased slightly compared to February 2017 shipments. Imports of UFS decreased by 14 percent year-over-year in January – the eighth consecutive decrease of 12 percent or more. Exports of UFS papers decreased five percent in January compared to January 2017.
- Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in February declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month. CFS inventories increased less than one-half of one percent compared to January. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased four percent year-over-year in January, the seventh consecutive year-over-year decline. Exports of CFS papers decreased five percent year-over-year in January.
- Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month while shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in February 2018 for the 20th consecutive month.
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.
read more/source: http://www.afandpa.org/media/news/2018/03/22/american-forest-paper-association-releases-february-2018-printing-writing-paper-monthly-report