Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association has released its January 2018 Printing-Writing Paper report.

According to the January 2018 Printing-Writing monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in January compared to January 2017. A small increase in shipments of uncoated free sheet was not enough to offset the year-over-year declines in January for the other three grades. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent from December 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers finished 2017 five percent lower than 2016 imports while exports finished the year five percent higher than 2016.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased one percent compared to January 2017 shipments. UFS shipments in January were the third highest they have been in the past 13 months. Imports of UFS decreased by 18 percent year-over-year in December. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers increased four percent in December compared to the same month in 2016. 2017 exports of UFS finished the year 14 percent higher than 2016.

Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in January declined year-over-year for the eighth consecutive month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 11 percent year-over-year in December, bringing the total for 2017 three percent lower than 2016. Exports of CFS papers decreased less than one-half of one percent year-over-year in December, but for the full year finished 2017 five percent greater than 2016.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined year-over-year for the eighth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased 12 percent compared to December 2016 and finished 2017 three percent higher than 2016. Exports of CM decreased 24 percent in December compared to the same month in 2016, leaving 2017 exports of CM seven percent lower than 2016.

Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in January 2018 for the 19th consecutive month. Imports of UM decreased one percent year-over-year in December, bringing the total for 2017 five percent lower than 2016. Exports of UM decreased six percent year-over-year in December, leaving full-year exports in 2017 five percent lower than 2016.

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