Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 8% in February compared with February 2016, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) February 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this week. Total P&W paper inventory levels were flat from January 2017. Key data from the report include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 6% y/y in February. UFS imports increased 9% in January compared with January 2016, with exports decreasing 5% y/y in January.
• February coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 8% compared with February 2016. Imports of CFS papers increased 5% y/y in January, and exports increased 2% in January relative to the previous year.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 23% in February compared with February 2016. Imports of UM increased 11% in January, with exports of UM in January increasing 17%.
• Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in February decreased 8% compared with February 2016. Imports of CM decreased 3% in January compared with January 2016, and exports increased 13% in January 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.