Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments in July 2017 decreased 5% compared with July 2016, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) July 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this week. This is the 11th consecutive year-over-year decrease following a modest fractional increase in August 2016.

All four P&W paper grade categories posted year-over-year shipment declines in July. Total P&W paper inventory levels increased 2% from June 2017. Key data from the report include:

• July uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased year-over-year at the lowest rate since the last increase in August 2016. Imports of UFS decreased by 22% year-over-year in June, while exports of UFS papers increased 41% year-over-year in June. The 68,200 tons exported in June was the highest level of UFS exports since March 2015.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in June for the 13th consecutive month. Imports of UM increased 8% year-over-year in June, while exports of UM decreased 14% year-over-year in June.
• July shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers declined for the second consecutive month following the only year-over-year increase in 2017. Shipments of coated one-side free sheet papers decreased 3% year-over-year in July but remain flat for the year-to-date. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 8% year-over-year in June, while exports of CFS papers decreased 4% year-over-year in June.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in July, the second consecutive decline. Imports of CM decreased in June, down 5% compared with June 2016, while exports of CM increased 12% in June. 

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