Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 5% in January compared with January 2016, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) January 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this week.

Total P&W paper inventory levels were flat from December 2016.

Key data from the eport includes:

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 3% year-over-year in January. UFS imports increased 16% in December compared with December 2015, but finished the year 14% below 2015, with exports decreasing 11% for the year.
• January coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 5% compared with January 2016. Imports of CFS papers also decreased 5% year-over-year in December, but increased 2% for the year, with exports decreasing just 1% in 2016.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 18% in January compared with January 2016. Imports of UM paper increased 2% in December, but decreased 7% year-over-year in 2016. Exports of UM paper in December dropped 11% and were down 10% compared with the previous year.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments in January decreased 2% when compared with January 2016. Imports of CM paper increased 27% in December compared with December 2015, and were up 3% for the year, with exports increasing 2% in December, and down 5% relative to the previous year.

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