Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 5% in January compared with January 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) January 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report. Total P&W paper inventory levels increased 2% from December levels. 

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased slightly less than 1% relative to shipments in January 2015, the first consecutive three-month period of year-over-year increases since December 2009. For the year of 2015, UFS imports were down 12% compared with2014, and down 27% y/y in December. 

January coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 5% compared with January 2015, with annual shipments down 6%vs. 2014. Imports of CFS papers during 2015 were 2% higher than 2014, but decreased 2% y/y in December. 

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 11% compared with January 2015. Imports of UM papers were also down 11% in December relative to December 2014, and were down 15% for the year. 

Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in January decreased 15% relative to January 2015. Imports of CM increased in December, up 3% compared with December 2014. For 2015, imports of CM were up 9% compared with the previous year. 

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon by email or calling 202-463-2448.