WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association released its October 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report on Nov. 21.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2 percent in October compared to October 2011, primarily driven by declines in uncoated mechanical shipments.

Additional key findings include:

• October shipments of coated free sheet papers increased year-over-year for the fifth time in the past twelve months, reaching the highest level since September 2010.
• Shipments of uncoated free sheet paper in October increased 2 percent over the same period in 2011, with mill inventories at the lowest level since July 1995.
• October uncoated mechanical paper shipments decreased 23 percent compared to October 2011, with YTD shipments down 16 percent relative to the previous year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at [email protected] or 202-463-2448.