WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association released its February 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report released on March 23, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 1 percent in February compared to February 2015. Total printing-writing paper inventory was essentially unchanged from January levels.

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 3 percent relative to shipments in February 2015, the first consecutive four month period of year-over-year increases since December 2009. UFS imports were down 22 percent year-over-year in January.
• February coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 2 percent compared to February 2015. Imports of CFS papers decreased 14 percent in January, the fifth consecutive year-over-year decrease.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 8 percent when compared with February 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 17 percent in January, the nineteenth consecutive monthly decline. 
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in February were essentially unchanged relative to February 2015, down less than one-half of one percent. Imports of CM decreased 7 percent compared 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