Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 4% in August 2017 compared with August 2016. Uncoated free sheet paper shipments increased in August while the other three P&W paper grades posted year-over-year shipment declines. U.S. purchases of P&W papers also decreased, down 7% in August. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased three percent from July 2017.

 

Key data for August P&W paper grades include:

 

• August uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the first time since August 2016. The August shipments of UFS also hit the highest monthly total since March 2016. Imports of UFS decreased by 28% year-over-year in July – the second consecutive decrease of 20% or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers increased 30% year-over-year in July, which is the third consecutive increase of 20% or more.
• August shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers declined. And while shipments of coated two-sides #1-#2 also decreased year-over-year in August, they still reached the highest monthly total thus far in 2017. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 13% year-over-year in July; it is the first year-over-year decline in 2017. Exports of CFS papers increased 11% year-over-year in July, the fifth increase in the past seven months.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in August, but reached the third highest level in 2017. Imports of CM increased in July, up 11% compared with July 2016, while exports of CM decreased 20% in July.
• While shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers declined year-over-year in August, the export data registered a year-over-year increase in July. Imports of UM decreased 3% year-over-year in July, while exports of UM increased 10% year-over-year in July – the fourth year-over-year increase in the first seven months of 2017. 

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