The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 26% in December compared to December 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 22% in December compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to November 2020.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in December decreased 17% compared to last December while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to November 2020. UFS imports increased 13% while exports decreased 31% in November 2020.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 26% compared to December 2019 while the inventory level increased 4% compared to November 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to November 2019, down 36% and 8% respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in December decreased 41% compared to last December while the inventory level increased 1% compared to November 2020. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to November 2019, down 27% and 19% respectively.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 39% compared to December 2019 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to November 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to November 2019, down 8% and 13% respectively.
