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

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased three percent in December 2019 compared to December 2018. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased six percent in December 2019 compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent when compared to November 2019.

• U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in December 2019 increased four percent compared to last December while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to November 2019. UFS imports decreased 29 percent while exports increased 15 percent in November 2019.
   
• Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 10 percent compared to December 2018 while the inventory level increased four percent compared to November 2019. CFS imports decreased eight percent while exports increased four percent in November 2019.
   
• U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in December 2019 decreased 16 percent compared to last December while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to November 2019. CM imports decreased 20 percent while exports increased 39 percent in November 2019.

• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 14 percent compared to December 2018 while the inventory level increased six percent compared to November 2019. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to November 2018, down 15 percent and 17 percent respectively.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman Statistics_Publications@AFandPA.org or 202-463-4716.