The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the April 2021 Printing-Writing monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 3% in April compared to April 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 6% in April compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to March 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in April increased 13% compared to last April while the inventory level decreased 3% compared to March 2021. UFS imports increased 12% while exports decreased 22% in March 2021.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 17% compared to April 2020 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to March 2021. CFS imports decreased 21% while exports increased 14% in March 2021.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 35% compared to last April while the inventory level decreased 3% compared to March 2021. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down 9% and 29% respectively.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 21% compared to April 2020 while the inventory level increased 12% compared to March 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down 1% and 47% respectively.
