Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased One Percent in February 2024

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in February 2024 decreased 1% when compared to January 2024.

March 19, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its February 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 1% in February compared to February 2023.

U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers remained essentially flat (-0.1%) in February compared to the same month last year.

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to January 2024.

Individually, changes in U.S. shipments across all 3 major P-W categories (UFS, CFS, and MECH) in February showed mixed results compared to the same period last year.

• Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS) shipments remained flat,
• Coated Free Sheet (CFS) shipments increased by 5%, and,
• Mechanical (MECH) paper shipments decreased by 17%. By volume, shipments of Mechanical papers were the highest seen in the past 10 months.

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 U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: AF&PA