AF&PA August 2020 Report Shows 24% Decrease in Total Printing-Writing Paper Shipments

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its August 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 24% in August compared to August 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24% in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3%) when compared to July 2020.

• U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August decreased 22% compared to last August while the inventory level increased 1% compared to July 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 20% and 51% respectively.
• Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 19% compared to August 2019 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to July 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 38% and 23% respectively.
• U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased 37% compared to last August while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to July 2020. CM imports decreased 40% while exports increased 30% in July 2020.
• Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 51% compared to August 2019 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to July 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 34% and 28% respectively.

Source: American Forest & Paper Association

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.