The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments remained essentially flat (+0.1%) in December compared to December 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 8% in December compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to November 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in December increased 2% compared to last December while the inventory level increased 1% compared to November 2021. UFS imports increased 16% while exports decreased 31% in November 2021.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 3% compared to December 2020 while the inventory level increased 4% compared to November 2021. CFS imports increased 62% while exports decreased 7% in November 2021.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in December increased 8% compared to last December while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to November 2021. CM imports increased 9% while exports decreased 1% in November 2021.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 5% compared to December 2020 while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to November 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to November 2020, up 3% and 34% respectively.
