The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its September 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in September compared to September 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 1% in September compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to August 2021.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 8% compared to September 2020 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to August 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up 31% and 19% respectively.
U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in September increased 15% compared to last September while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to August 2021. CFS imports increased 50% while exports decreased 3% in August 2021.
Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 9% compared to September 2020 while the inventory level decreased 5% compared to August 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up 1% and 27% respectively.
U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in September remained essentially flat (-0.5%) compared to last September while the inventory level increased 16% compared to August 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to August 2020, up 14% and 15% respectively.
