Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 6% in February 2026

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in February 2026 decreased 1% when compared to January 2026.

March 21, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in February compared to February 2025.

Using the latest available trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 14% in January compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to January 2026.

Across the 3 major printing-writing categories — uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) — net imports declined 16% in January compared to the same month last year.

Individually, UFS net imports declined 15%, CFS net imports declined 19% while MECH net imports declined 15%.

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