The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) published its January 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased three percent in January compared to January 2021.
U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased nine percent in January compared to the same month last year.
Total U.S. printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one percent in January 2022 when compared to December 2021.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased three percent compared to January 2021 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to December 2021. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to December 2020, down eight percent and 13 percent respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in January increased 29 percent compared to last January while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4 percent) compared to December 2021. CFS imports increased 58 percent while exports decreased eight percent in December 2021.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments increased nine percent compared to January 2021 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to December 2021. CM imports increased 24 percent while exports decreased 20 percent in December 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in January increased eight percent compared to last January while the inventory level increased six percent compared to December 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to December 2020, up 21 percent and 18 percent respectively.