Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 7% in April 2017, compared with April 2016, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) April 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report. All four P&W paper grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in April, though the decline for coated free sheet was less than one-half of one percent. Total P&W paper inventory levels increased 2% from March 2017.

Key P&W paper data for April 2017 include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined year-over-year in April, the eighth consecutive year-over-year decrease. Imports of UFS increased 3% year-over-year in March and exports of UFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in March.
• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers were essentially flat in April compared with last year. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in March and exports of CFS papers increased 14% year-over-year in March.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased year-over-year in April, the third consecutive year-over-year decrease. Imports of CM decreased in March, down 6% compared with March 2016, and exports of CM were down 29% in March.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in April for the tenth consecutive month. Imports of UM increased 4% year-over-year in March, and exports of UM increased 2% in February. 

The complete report with detailed tables, charts, and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman, 202-463-4716.