The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the April 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased three percent in April compared to April 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased six percent in April compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent when compared to March 2021.
- U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in April increased 13 percent compared to last April while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to March 2021. UFS imports increased 12 percent while exports decreased 22 percent in March 2021.
- Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 17 percent compared to April 2020 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to March 2021. CFS imports decreased 21 percent while exports increased 14 percent in March 2021.
- U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 35 percent compared to last April while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to March 2021. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down nine percent and 29 percent respectively.
- Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 21 percent compared to April 2020 while the inventory level increased 12 percent compared to March 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down one percent and 47 percent respectively.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue 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 four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.
