The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its August 2020 Printing-Writing monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 24% in August compared to August 2019. US purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24% in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to July 2020.
US purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August decreased 22% compared to last August while the inventory level increased one percent compared to July 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 20% and 51% respectively.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 19% compared to August 2019 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to July 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 38% and 23% respectively.
US purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased 37% compared to last August while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to July 2020. CM imports decreased 40% while exports increased 30% in July 2020.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 51% compared to August 2019 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to July 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 34% and 28% respectively.
