Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 5% in February 2018 compared with February 2017, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) February 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report released this week. U.S. purchases of P&W papers decreased 4% in February 2018. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 2% from January 2017.

Imports of P&W papers began 2018 4% lower than January 2017 imports, while exports began the year 12% less than January 2017. Key data for 2018 include:

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in February 2018 increased slightly compared with February 2017 shipments. Imports of UFS decreased by 14% year-over-year in January – the eighth consecutive decrease of 12% or more. Exports of UFS papers decreased 5% in January 2018 compared with January 2017.
• Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in February 2018 declined year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month. CFS inventories increased less than one-half of 1% compared with January 2018. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 4% y/y in January 2018, the seventh consecutive y/y decline. Exports of CFS papers decreased 5% y/y in January 2018.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments also declined y/y for the ninth consecutive month, while shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased y/y in February 2018 for the 20th consecutive month.

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