WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its March 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report released on April 21, 2017, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 9% in March compared to March 2016. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels were essentially flat from February 2017, down less than 1%.

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 7% year-over-year in March. UFS imports decreased 13% in February compared to February 2016, with exports decreasing 2% year-over-year in February.
• March coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 6% compared to March 2016. Imports of CFS papers increased 9% year-over-year in February, and exports increased 2% in February relative to the previous year.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 26% in March compared to March 2016. Imports of UM decreased 11% in February, with exports of UM in February decreasing 45%.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 12% when compared to March 2016. Imports of CM increased 6% in February compared to February 2016, and exports were down 19% in February relative to the previous year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-2448.