Printing-writing paper shipments decrease 6 percent year over year in August

The American Forest & Paper Association, Washington, has released its August 2015 “Printing-Writing Paper Report.”

According to the report, released Sept. 21, 2015, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6 percent in August compared with August 2014. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased less than one-half of 1 percent from July.

The AF&PA says uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments were essentially flat compared with August 2014, with imports decreasing 29 percent year over year in July.

August coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 7 percent compared with August 2014. Imports of CFS papers decreased 15 percent in July, the second year-over-year decrease in the past 12 months.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 13 percent when compared with August 2014. Imports of UM papers were down 16 percent in July, the 13th consecutive monthly decline.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in August decreased 18 percent relative to August 2014. Imports of CM increased 29 percent in July, while exports of CM were down 34 percent, the second decrease 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 at 202-463-2448.