PaperAge Magazine

Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 24 Percent in October 2020

Finished rolls of paper Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in October 2020 decreased two percent when compared to September 2020.

Nov. 20, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its October 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 24 percent in October compared to October 2019.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 21 percent in October compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent when compared to September 2020.

  • U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in October decreased 18 percent compared to last October while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to September 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to September 2019, down seven percent and 38 percent respectively.
  • Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 16 percent compared to October 2019 while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to September 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to September 2019, down 34 percent and 14 percent respectively.
  • U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in October decreased 40 percent compared to last October while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to September 2020. CM imports decreased 20 percent while exports increased 35 percent in September 2020.
  • Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 47 percent compared to October 2019 while the inventory level increased three percent compared to September 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to September 2019, down 11 percent and 56 percent respectively.

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.

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