March 26, 2010 - According to AF&PA's February 2010 Printing-Writing Paper Report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 10% in February compared to February 2009 — the fourth consecutive year-ago increase. Two of the four major printing-writing grades recorded double-digit growth when compared to 2009.

U.S. purchases (shipments + imports - exports) of printing-writing papers also increased in February, up 5% versus year-ago February.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in February decreased 54,900 tons from January 2010 — a decrease of 3%.

Some additional highlights from the report include:

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) shipments up versus year-ago for third consecutive month.
• Coated free sheet (CFS) shipments hit double-digit growth versus year-ago for third month.
• Year-ago shipments of coated mechanical (CM) reaches double-digit growth for fourth consecutive month.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) shipments increase following 28% surge in January.

AF&PA members can access the full report on the AF&PA's StatMill web site.

Companies and individuals who are not members of AF&PA may subscribe to the Printing-Writing Paper Report by contacting Michelle Gaskins at AF&PA (202) 463-5162, or email Michelle_Gaskins@AFandPA.org.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)