Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 4% in March compared with March 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) March 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this week. Total P&W paper inventory decreased 2% from February levels. Key data from the report include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased for the first time in 2016, down 1% relative to shipments in March 2015. UFS imports were down 19% year-over-year in February.
• March coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 8% compared with March 2015. Imports of CFS papers increased 12% in February with exports up 2% year-over-year.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 8% compared with March 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 2% in February while exports of UM in February increased 56% compared with the previous year.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 4% compared with March 2015. Imports of CM decreased 14% in February compared with February 2015.

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