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

According to the February 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in February compared to February 2017. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased four percent in February. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent from January 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers began 2018 four percent lower than January 2017 imports, while exports began the year 12 percent less than January 2017.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in February 2018 increased slightly compared to February 2017 shipments. Imports of UFS decreased by 14 percent year-over-year in January – the eighth consecutive decrease of 12 percent or more. Exports of UFS papers decreased five percent in January compared to January 2017.

Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in February declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month. CFS inventories increased less than one-half of one percent compared to January. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased four percent year-over-year in January, the seventh consecutive year-over-year decline. Exports of CFS papers decreased five percent year-over-year in January.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month while shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in February 2018 for the 20th consecutive month.

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