WASHINGTON, DC—April 23, 2014—The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its March 2014 Printing-Writing Paper Report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2 percent in March compared to March 2013, with increases in year-over-year shipments in uncoated mechanical and coated freesheet grades.
- Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in March decreased 6 percent compared to March 2013. Year-to-date shipments are down 7 percent in 2014.
- March coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 4 percent, the first year-over-year increase in eight months. Year-to-date shipments of coated freesheet grades are essentially flat compared to 2013.
- Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments also increased 4 percent in March, the sixth year-over-year increase in the past seven months. Year-to-date shipments of UM are up 2 percent compared to 2013.
- Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in March decreased 4 percent compared to March 2013 to 237,000 tons. Imports of CM through February were down 9 percent relative to the same period in 2013.
The report can be purchased by contacting Caroline Nealon at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or (202) 463-2448.
About the American Forest and Paper Association
The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative—Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $210 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states.
Source: The American Forest and Paper Association.