Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 15 Percent in February 2023

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in February 2023 remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to January 2023.

March 17, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its 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 in February 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%.

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 by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle 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 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: AF&PA