WASHINGTON - The American Forest & Paper Association has released its October 2013 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments were down 1 percent in October compared to October 2012. Increases in year-over-year shipments of uncoated grades were offset by decreases in coated paper shipments.

Additional key findings:

• October coated free sheet (CFS) papers shipments decreased 4 percent compared to October 2012, with YTD shipments through October down 1 percent relative to 2012 levels. Exports of CFS in September were down 14 percent compared to September last year.
• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 3 percent in October to 773,400 tons, the highest level since March 2012. For the year, shipments are down 2 percent in 2013.
• October uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments were flat compared to 2012 and down 10 percent year-to-date compared to the same period in 2012. Imports of UFS through September increased 9 percent year-over-year.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in October decreased 6 percent compared to October 2012. Shipments of CM are down 10 percent for the year in 2013. Exports of CM decreased 16 percent in September, down 21 percent year-to-date.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at [email protected] or 202-463-2448.