WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its November 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4 percent in November compared to November 2011.  Three out of the four major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to last November, with coated free sheet posting the only year-over-year increase.

Additional key findings:

• November shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers increased year-over-year for the sixth time in the past 12 months.  CFS shipments increased 1 percent when compared to November 2011 to 330,800 tons, the fourth highest total in 2012.
• While uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers shipments decreased 2 percent compared to November 2011 to 705,500 tons, October exports increased year-over-year for the third consecutive month.  Year-to-date shipments of UFS paper are down 3 percent compared to the same months in 2011.  Exports of UFS increased year-over-year in October, up 15 percent.  Year-to-date UFS exports are up 11 percent in 2012 compared to same 10 months in 2011.
• November uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 24 percent when compared to November 2011, the twentieth consecutive month of year-over-year decline.
• November shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers decreased 5 percent compared to November 2011. Year-to-date shipments of CM are down 5 percent compared to the same 11 months in 2011.

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