The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its May 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 11% in May compared to May 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 6% in May compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to April 2021.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 22% compared to May 2020 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to April 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to April 2020, up 10% and 25% respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in May decreased 16% compared to last May while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to April 2021. CFS imports decreased 14% while exports increased 32% in April 2021.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 14% compared to May 2020 while the inventory level increased 1% compared to April 2021. CM imports decreased 17% while exports increased 5% in April 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May increased 16% compared to last May while the inventory level decreased 15% compared to April 2021. UM imports increased 10% while exports decreased 17% in April 2021.
