Total U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in January; boxboard production dipped slightly in January 2017
(Washington, USA, Feb. 28, 2017) The American Forest & Paper Association has released its January 2017 U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Report which said total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5% in January compared to January 2016. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels were flat from December 2016.
Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 3% year-over-year in January. UFS imports increased 16% in December compared to December 2015, but finished the year 14% below 2015, with exports decreasing 11% for the year.
January coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 5% compared to January 2016. Imports of CFS papers also decreased 5% year-over-year in December, but increased 2% for the year, with exports decreasing just 1% in 2016.
Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 18% in January compared to January 2016. Imports of UM increased 2% in December, but decreased 7% year-over-year in 2016. Exports of UM in December dropped 11% and were down 10% compared to the previous year.
Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in January decreased 2% when compared to January 2016. Imports of CM increased 27% in December compared to December 2015, and up 3% for the year, with exports increasing 2% in December, and down 5% relative to the previous year.
Boxboard:
The American Forest & Paper Association released its January 2017 U.S. Boxboard Report which said total boxboard production decreased 0.8 percent when compared to January 2016, but increased 2.2 percent from last month.
Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production decreased over the same month as last year and decreased compared to last month.
Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production decreased when compared to January 2016, and decreased compared to last month.
The production of Recycled Boxboard was flat compared to January 2016, and increased when compared to last month. (Source: AF&PA)
