Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association released its December 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report on January 16, 2019.

According to the December 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased seven percent in December compared to December 2017, which matches the total decrease for the year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased seven percent from November.

U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper decreased six percent in December from the same month one year ago. The inventory level of UFS papers increased eight percent in December compared to November.

Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased six percent in 2018 when compared to 2017. Purchases decreased three percent for the year.

U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers increased three percent year-over-year in December. Shipments of coated mechanical (CM) paper decreased four percent in December. Inventory levels at the end of December when compared to November increased seven percent and remained essentially flat for UM paper and CM paper, respectively.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at [email protected] or 202-463-4716.