Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments increased 1% in February 2016 compared with February 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) recently released February 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report. Total P&W paper inventory was essentially unchanged from January 2016 levels. Key data from the report include: 

• 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 with February 2015. Imports of CFS papers decreased 14% in January, the fifth consecutive year-over-year decrease.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 8% 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 one percent. Imports of CM decreased 7% compared with the previous year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting AF&PA’s Caroline Nealon, 202-463-2448.