Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association released its May 2018 Printing-Writing Paper report on June 15.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in May compared to May 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent from April. Imports of printing-writing papers in April increased four percent compared to April 2017 imports, while exports declined one percent compared to April 2018.

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in May 2018 edged down slightly year-over-year. Imports of UFS decreased less than one-half of one percent year-over-year in April. Exports of UFS papers increased 13 percent in April compared to April 2017.
• Purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers increased year-over-year in May 2018 for the second time this year. Imports of CM increased 24 percent year-over-year in April. Exports of CM increased two percent year-over-year in April.
• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper and uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May both declined year-over-year. Imports of UM papers increased seven percent compared to April 2017, while imports of CFS papers decreased 12 percent compared to last April.

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