The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its February 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 29% in February compared to February 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24% in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to January 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in February decreased 19% compared to last February while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.1%) compared to January 2021. UFS imports increased 39% while exports decreased 32% in January 2021.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 32% compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to January 2021. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 26% and 3% respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in February decreased 38% compared to last February while the inventory level decreased 3% compared to January 2021. CM imports decreased 22% while exports increased 24% in January 2021.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 31% compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased 6% compared to January 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 14% and 47% respectively.
