Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Down 30 Percent in April

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released its April 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 30 percent in April compared to April 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 29 percent in April compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased three percent when compared to March 2020.

U.S. purchases of un-coated free sheet (UFS) papers in February decreased seven percent compared to last February, while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) compared to January 2020. UFS imports decreased 36 percent while exports increased 31 percent in January 2020.

Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 27 percent compared to April 2019 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to March 2020. CFS imports decreased 10 percent while exports increased three percent in March 2020.

U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 18 percent compared to last April, while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.2 percent) compared to March 2020. CM imports decreased 33 percent while exports increased 13 percent in March 2020.

Un-coated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 31 percent compared to April 2019, while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to March 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2019, down 19 percent and 12 percent respectively.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman Statistics_Publications@AFandPA.org or 202-463-4716.