U.S. total printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 4% in September 2015 compared with September 2014. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 4% from August 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) September 2015 Printing-Writing Paper Report issued this past week. Specific data for September P&W papers include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments were slightly ahead (less than 1%) of comparable shipments in September 2014, the second increase in the past four months. Imports of UFS decreased 25% year-over-year in August.
• September coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 1% compared with September 2014. Imports of CFS papers increased 15% in August, the fifth year-over-year increase in the past six months.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 7% compared with September 2014. Imports of UM papers were down 15% in August, the fourteenth consecutive monthly decline. 
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in September decreased 18% relative to September 2014. Imports of CM increased in August, up 18%, the fourth year-over-year increase in the past six months.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at AF&PA.