AF&PA says shipments decrease by double digits

March 17, 2023

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2023 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 15% in February compared to February 2022. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 6% in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to January 2023.

February shipments decreased in all three major P-W grades when compared to the same month the year before, with uncoated free sheet papers recording the smallest year-ago decrease of 9%. In January, compared to year-ago levels, net imports increased in coated and uncoated free sheet papers while net imports of mechanical papers decreased by 2%.