Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association released its March 2018 Printing-Writing Paper report on April 20.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in March compared to March 2017. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased seven percent in March. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent from February 2018. Imports of printing-writing papers increased six percent compared to February 2017 imports, while exports increased five percent compared to February 2017.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year for the tenth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased 21 percent compared to February 2017. Exports of CM decreased five percent in February compared to the same month in 2017.

Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in March declined year-over-year. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased two percent year-over-year in February. Exports of CFS papers decreased five percent year-over-year in February.

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in March 2018 decreased year-over-year for the first time in 2018, following two months of year-over-year increases; meanwhile, shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in March 2018 for the 21st 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.