The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA, released its June 2018 Printing-Writing Paper Report this past week, reporting that total printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 6% in June 2018 compared with June 2017. Total P&W paper inventory levels decreased 2% from May. Imports of P&W papers in May increased 18% compared with May 2017 imports, while exports declined 3% compared with May 2017. Data for key grades include:

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments through June 2018 remained essentially flat compared with the same six months of 2017. Imports of UFS increased 8% year-over-year in May. Exports of UFS papers decreased 2% in May compared with May 2017.
• Purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased year-over-year in June 2018. Imports of CFS increased 2% year-over-year in May. Exports of CFS decreased 11% year-over-year in May.
• Purchases of coated mechanical (CM) paper increased while purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased in June 2018. Imports of CM papers increased 65% compared with May 2017, while imports of UM papers increased 10% compared with last May.

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