The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 2% in February compared to February 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 7% in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to January 2022.
U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in February increased 5% compared to last February while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to January 2022. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2021, down 16% and 28% respectively.
Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 8% compared to February 2021 while the inventory level increased 1% compared to January 2022. CFS imports increased 43% while exports decreased 23% in January 2022.
U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in February decreased 9% compared to last February while the inventory level increased 1% compared to January 2022. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2021, down 4% and 12% respectively.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments remained essentially flat (+0.3%) compared to February 2021 while the inventory level increased 4% compared to January 2022. UM imports and exports both increased compared to January 2021, up 2% and 25% respectively.
