Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 8% in September 2016 compared with September 2015, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) September 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this past week. Total P&W paper inventory decreased 4% from August levels. Key P&W paper data includes:

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 8% year-over-year in September, after recording three year-over-year increases in 2016. UFS imports increased 18% year-over-year in August, with exports increasing 14%.
• September coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 3% compared with September 2015. Imports of CFS papers increased 10% in August, with exports increasing 10% year-over-year as well.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 13% in September compared with September 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 2% in August, while exports of UM paper in July decreased 22% compared with the previous year.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in September decreased 14% compared with September 2015. Imports of CM paper were flat in August compared with August 2015, with exports down 12%. 

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