Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 7% in March 2026

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

April 20, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the March 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in March compared to March 2025.

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

Using the latest available U.S. Census Bureau trade data, February purchases of total printing writing papers decreased 3% compared to the same month last year. Across the 3 major printing-writing categories — uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) — purchases showed mixed year over year results. UFS purchases declined 5%, CFS purchases increased 6%, and MECH purchases declined 5%.

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