Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased Four Percent in September 2021

Total U.S. printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent in September 2021 when compared to August 2021.

Oct. 19, 2021 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its September 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased four percent in September compared to September 2020.

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

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent in September when compared to August 2021.

• Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased eight percent compared to September 2020 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to August 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up 31 percent and 19 percent respectively.
• U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in September increased 15 percent compared to last September while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to August 2021. CFS imports increased 50 percent while exports decreased three percent in August 2021.
• Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased nine percent compared to September 2020 while the inventory level decreased five percent compared to August 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up one percent and 27 percent respectively.
• U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in September remained essentially flat (-0.5 percent) compared to last September while the inventory level increased 16 percent compared to August 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up 14 percent and 15 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.

About AF&PA

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 in nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable 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 www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

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