Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its February 2019 Printing-Writing Monthly report on March 15.

According to the February 2019 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased seven percent in February compared to February 2018. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one percent from January 2019. Net imports for the full year 2018 increased 26 percent compared to 2017.

U.S. shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper decreased six percent in February from the same month one year ago. The inventory level of UFS papers remained essentially flat in February compared to January. UFS imports in 2018 increased six percent while exports finished the year 16 percent lower than 2017.

U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased ten percent in February when compared to February 2018. Inventories, meanwhile, remained essentially flat compared to last month. An increase in imports for 2018 of CFS papers of nine percent combined with a 13 percent decrease in exports to leave net imports of CFS papers 50 percent higher than 2017.

U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers remained essentially flat year-over-year in February. U.S. shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) paper decreased less than one-half of one percent in February. Inventory levels at the end of February when compared to January decreased for coated mechanical and increased for uncoated mechanical. For 2018 as a whole, exports of CM papers decreased five percent while imports of UM papers remained flat compared to 2017.

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