Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 22 Percent in March 2023

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in March 2023 remained essentially flat (+0.2%) when compared to February 2023.

April 18, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the March 2023 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 22% in March compared to March 2022.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 19% in March compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.2%) when compared to February 2023.

March shipments decreased in all 3 major printing-writing grades when compared to the same month the year before, with uncoated free sheet papers recording the smallest year ago decrease of 12%.

Coated free sheet and mechanical papers exports and imports decreased in February compared to the previous month, while uncoated free sheet exports increased 13%. Net printing-writing imports decreased 30% in the same month.

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