The American Forest & Paper Association has released its August 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5 percent in August compared to August 2011.  All four major printing-writing grades posted single-digit decreases compared to last August. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down 6 percent in August.  Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 5 percent from last month, primarily due to double-digit decreases in mechanical-grade paper inventories.  Additional key findings include:

• Shipments of coated free sheet papers decreased year-over-year, but August shipments reached the highest level since October 2011.
• Shipments of uncoated free sheet papers down year-over-year, the sixth consecutive single-digit year-over-year decrease.
• Uncoated mechanical paper inventories dropped sharply.
• Inventory of coated mechanical papers also dropped and hit the lowest point since December 2007.

The complete survey with detailed tables can be purchased by contacting Dina Menton at [email protected] or 202-463-2710.