WASHINGTON: U.S. printing-writing paper shipments increased 1% in February 2016 compared to February 2015. Total printing-writing paper inventory was essentially unchanged from January levels, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 3% relative to shipments in February 2015, the first consecutive four month period of year-over-year increases since December 2009. UFS imports were down 22% year-over-year in January. February coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 2% compared to February 2015. Imports of CFS papers decreased 14% in January, the fifth consecutive year-over-year decrease.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 8% when compared with February 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 17% in January, the nineteenth consecutive monthly decline. Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in February were essentially unchanged relative to February 2015, down less than one-half of 1%. Imports of CM decreased 7% compared to the previous year.
The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.
