Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 2% in May 2017 compared with May 2016, according to the May 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report  released this past week by AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA). The uncoated P&W paper grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in May, while the coated grades either increased or remained level. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 1% from April 2017.

As detailed by the report:

• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers were the bright spot in May 2017 compared with last year, increasing 2%; the third year-over-year increase in the past 12 months. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 3% year-over-year in April, while exports of CFS papers decreased 1% year-over-year in April.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments were flat year-over-year in May, increasing by less than 1%, making it the third year-over-year increase in the past 12 months. Imports of CM paper decreased in April, down 14% compared with April 2016, and exports of CM paper were down 22% in April.
• May uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments declined by 2%, the lowest year-over-year decrease in the past 12 months. Imports of UFS increased by less than one-half of 1% year-over-year in April, while exports of UFS papers increased 1% year-over-year in April.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 12% year-over-year in May for the eleventh consecutive month. Imports of UM papers decreased 11% year-over-year in April, while exports of UM papers increased 10% in April.

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