Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 7.6% in April 2025

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 3% in April 2025 when compared to March 2025.

May 23, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the April 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7.6% in April compared to April 2024.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 7% in March compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in April decreased 3% from March 2025.

The 3 major Printing-Writing categories — Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS), Coated Free Sheet (CFS), and Mechanical (MECH) papers — showed mixed performance on both a month-over-month (MoM) and year-to-date (YTD) basis.

Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS) shipments dropped 11.4% MoM and 9% YTD, while Coated Free Sheet (CFS) declined 4.9% MoM but increased 0.1% YTD.

Mechanical (MECH) outperformed the other categories, registering a 10.8% increase MoM and a 5.1% gain YTD.

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