Total US printing-writing paper shipments in February down 15%, purchases down 6% year-over-year, inventory levels flat from January; February shipments drop year-over-year for three major P-W grades, uncoated free sheet papers down the least at 9%: AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2023 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 15% in February compared to February 2022. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 6% in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to January 2023.

February shipments decreased in all 3 major P-W grades when compared to the same month the year before, with uncoated free sheet papers recording the smallest year-ago decrease of 9%.  In January, compared to year-ago levels, net imports increased in coated and uncoated free sheet papers while net imports of mechanical papers decreased by 2%.

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.