Coated Free Sheet Only Grade to Post Increase in AF&PA’s Latest Paper Report
WASHINGTON, DC—Dec. 20, 2012—The American Forest & Paper Assn. has released its November 2012 “Printing-Writing Paper Report.”
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4 percent in November compared to November 2011. Three out of the four major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to last November, with coated free sheet posting the only year-over-year increase.
Additional key findings:
• November shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers increased year-over-year for the sixth time in the past 12 months. CFS shipments increased 1 percent when compared to November 2011 to 330,800 tons, the fourth highest total in 2012.
• While uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers shipments decreased 2 percent compared to November 2011 to 705,500 tons, October exports increased year-over-year for the third consecutive month. Year-to-date shipments of UFS paper are down 3 percent compared to the same months in 2011. Exports of UFS increased year-over-year in October, up 15 percent. Year-to-date UFS exports are up 11 percent in 2012 compared to same 10 months in 2011.
• November uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 24 percent when compared to November 2011, the twentieth consecutive month of year-over-year decline.
• November shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers decreased 5 percent compared to November 2011. Year-to-date shipments of CM are down 5 percent compared to the same 11 months in 2011.
About AF&PA
The American Forest & Paper Association is the national trade association of the forest products industry, representing pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturers, and forest landowners. Our companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources that sustain the environment. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP. Industry companies produce about $190 billion in products annually and employ nearly 900,000 men and women, exceeding employment levels in the automotive, chemicals and plastics industries. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states.
