Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 6% in April compared with April 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) April 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report published this week. Total P&W paper inventory decreased less than 1% from March levels. Key data from the report include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 3% relative to shipments in April 2015. UFS imports were down 25% year-over-year in March.
• Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 4% compared with April 2015. Imports of CFS papers decreased 19% in March, with exports down 17% year-over-year.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 6% compared with April 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 16% in March, while exports of UM in March increased 6% compared with the previous year.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in April decreased 20% compared with April 2015. Imports of CM increased 16% in March compared with March 2015.

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