WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its March 2014 Printing-Writing Paper Report. 

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2 percent in March compared to March 2013, with increases in year-over-year shipments in uncoated mechanical and coated freesheet grades.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in March decreased 6 percent compared to March 2013. Year-to-date shipments are down 7 percent in 2014.

March coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 4 percent, the first year-over-year increase in eight months. Year-to-date shipments of coated freesheet grades are essentially flat compared to 2013.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments also increased 4 percent in March, the sixth year-over-year increase in the past seven months. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 2 percent compared to 2013.

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 4 percent compared to March 2013 to 237,000 tons. Imports of CM through February were down 9 percent relative to the same period in 2013. 

The report can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at [email protected] or 202-463-2448.