Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 5% in January 2018, compared with January 2017, according to the January 2018 Printing-Writing Paper monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, Washington, D.C., USA.

A small increase in shipments of uncoated free sheet was not enough to offset the year-over-year declines in January for the other three grades. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 1% from December 2017. Imports of P&W papers finished 2017 5% lower than 2016 imports, while exports finished the year 5% higher than 2016.

Key data from the report include: 

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 1% compared with January 2017 shipments. UFS shipments in January were the third highest they have been in the past 13 months. Imports of UFS decreased by 18%t year-over-year in December. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers increased 4% in December compared with the same month in 2016. 2017 exports of UFS finished the year 14% higher than 2016.
• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in January declined year-over-year for the eighth consecutive month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 11% year-over-year in December, bringing the total for 2017 3% lower than 2016. Exports of CFS papers decreased less than one-half of 1% year-over-year in December, but for the full year finished 2017 5% greater than 2016.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined year-over-year for the eighth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased 12 % compared with December 2016 and finished 2017 3% higher than 2016. Exports of CM decreased 24% in December compared with the same month in 2016, leaving 2017 exports of CM 7% lower than 2016.
• Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in January 2018 for the 19th consecutive month. Imports of UM decreased 1% year-over-year in December, bringing the total for 2017 5% lower than 2016. Exports of UM decreased 6% year-over-year in December, leaving full-year exports in 2017 5% lower than in 2016.. 

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