Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 7% in October 2017 compared with October 2016, according to the October 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly Report from the AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA.

Shipments of uncoated free sheet managed a year-over-year increase but this was more than offset by decreases in the remaining three major P&W paper grades. U.S. purchases of P&W papers also decreased, down 9% in October. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 9% from September 2017. Key P&W paper data include:

• October uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the second time this year. Imports of UFS decreased by 125 year-over-year in September—the fourth consecutive decrease of 12% or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers continue to climb, up 26% year-over-year in September, the fifth consecutive increase of 17% or higher.
• Recent mill shuts leave coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments down year-over-year. This is a significant change from last month’s peak for the year, as two recent mill shuts factor in to the decline this month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 17% year-over-year in September, the third consecutive year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, exports of CFS papers increased 4% year-over-year in September, the seventh increase in the past nine months.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in October for the fifth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased in September, up 23% compared with September 2016. Exports of CM decreased, down 9% in September to 24,200 tons – the lowest level in more than five years.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers have declined year-over-year in every month when compared with the same month in 2016. Imports of UM decreased 13% year-over-year in September and exports of UM decreased 4% year-over-year in September.

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