PaperAge Magazine

Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 3.0 Percent in December 2019

Finished rolls of paper Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in December 2019 decreased one percent when compared to November 2019.

Jan. 20, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2019 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased three percent in December 2019 compared to December 2018. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased six percent in December 2019 compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent when compared to November 2019.

  • U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in December 2019 increased four percent compared to last December while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to November 2019. UFS imports decreased 29 percent while exports increased 15 percent in November 2019.
  • Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 10 percent compared to December 2018 while the inventory level increased four percent compared to November 2019. CFS imports decreased eight percent while exports increased four percent in November 2019.
  • U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in December 2019 decreased 16 percent compared to last December while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to November 2019. CM imports decreased 20 percent while exports increased 39 percent in November 2019.
  • Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 14 percent compared to December 2018 while the inventory level increased six percent compared to November 2019. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to November 2018, down 15 percent and 17 percent respectively.

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.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $300 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: AF&PA