U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments increased 1% in March 2022 compared to March 2021, while U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 3% in March compared to the same month last year, according to American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).
Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 3% when compared to February 2022.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 3% compared to March 2021 while the inventory level decreased 3% compared to February 2022. UFS imports increased 9% while exports decreased 20% in February 2022.
U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in March increased 24% compared to last March while the inventory level decreased 3% compared to February 2022. CFS imports increased 34% while exports remained essentially flat (-0.2%) in February 2022.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 14% compared to March 2021 while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to February 2022. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to February 2021, down 21% and 16% respectively.
U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in March remained essentially flat (-0.3%) compared to last March while the inventory level decreased 15% compared to February 2022. UM imports and exports both increased compared to February 2021, up 5% and 62% respectively.
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.