Total US printing-writing paper shipments in December down 9%, purchases up 4% year-over-year; December shipments drop year-over-year for three of four major P-W grades, with sole increase in coated mechanical, but year-to-date results are flipped: AF&PA

WASHINGTON , January 18, 2023 (press release) –

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report.   

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 9% in December compared to December 2021 while U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 4% in December compared to the same month last year.

December shipments decreased in 3 of the 4 major P-W grades when compared to the same month the year before, with coated mechanical papers recording the sole year-ago increase. For the year-to-date, however, the opposite is true, with increases in 3 major grades and the only decline occurring in coated mechanical papers.

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

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy, and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $60 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.