Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 4% in May compared with May 2015, as reported by the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) in its May 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report. Total P&W paper inventory increased 2% from April levels.

Other key data from the report include: 

Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper. Shipments were essentially flat compared with May 2015, decreasing less than half of 1%. UFS imports were down 20% y/y in April.

March coated free sheet (CFS) paper. Shipments decreased 1% compared with May 2015. Imports of CFS papers decreased 11% in April, with exports down 1% y/y.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper. Shipments decreased 7% compared with May 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 3% in April while exports of UM in April decreased 37% compared with the previous year.

Coated mechanical (CM) paper. Shipments in May decreased 18% compared with May 2015. Imports of CM increased 1% in April compared with April 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.