The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its January 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 3% in January compared to January 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 9% in January compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to December 2021.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 3% compared to January 2021 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to December 2021. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to December 2020, down 8% and 13%respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in January increased 29% compared to last January while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to December 2021. CFS imports increased 58% while exports decreased 8% in December 2021.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments increased 9% compared to January 2021 while the inventory level decreased 6% compared to December 2021. CM imports increased 24% while exports decreased 20% in December 2021.
U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in January increased 8% compared to last January while the inventory level increased 6% compared to December 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to December 2020, up 21% and 18% respectively.
