The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its October 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 1% in October compared to October 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 6% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to September 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in October increased 4% compared to last October while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to September 2021. UFS imports increased 15% while exports decreased 9% in September 2021.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 6% compared to October 2020 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to September 2021. CFS imports increased 56% while exports decreased 4% in September 2021.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in October remained flat compared to last October while inventory level decreased 9% compared to September 2021. CM imports increased 4% while exports decreased nine percent in September 2021.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 34% compared to October 2020 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to September 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to September 2020, up 13% and 96% respectively.
