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

paper mill inventory Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in May 2023 remained flat when compared to April 2023.

June 16, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the May 2023 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 22% in May compared to May 2022.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24% in May compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained flat when compared to April 2023.

U.S. shipments decreased in all 3 major P-W grades (UFS, CFS and MECH) when compared to May last year, with uncoated free sheet papers recording the smallest year- ago decrease of approximately 8%.

Exports and imports in all 3 major grades decreased in April compared to the same month last year. April coated free sheet year-to-date net imports by volume increased slightly while uncoated free sheet and mechanical net imports decreased.

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 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

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