Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 4% in January compared with January 2014, with inventory levels increasing 3% from December levels, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) January 2015 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this past week. Results for specific P&W paper grades are:  

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in January decreased 5% compared with January 2014. Imports of UFS increased year-over-year in December for the fourteenth consecutive month and finished up 20% for the year compared with 2013.
• January coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 5% compared with January 2014. Imports of CFS papers increased 9% year-over-year in December and were up 4% percent compared with 2013.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 4% in January. Imports of UM papers were down 6% in 2014 compared with the same 12 months of 2013.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in January decreased 7% relative to January 2014, with exports increasing 3% compared with December levels. Imports of CM decreased in December, down 5% and down 16% for the year compared with 2013.