Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 8% in July 2025

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% in July 2025 when compared to June 2025.

Aug. 19, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the July 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 8% in July compared to July 2024.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 5% in June (based on the latest available trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau) compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to June 2025.

The three major printing-writing categories — uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) papers — showed a negative performance on both a month over month (MoM) and year to date (YTD) basis. UFS shipments declined 8% MoM while CFS declined 3% MoM. Mechanical (MECH) papers remained flat for the 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 public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.

The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

SOURCE: AF&PA