Paper Usage Declines: a new stream to Ford in the US

Paper Usage Declines: a new stream to Ford in the US

According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) the total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 30 percent in April compared to April 2019.

The AF&PAs Printing-Writing Monthly report for April 2020 reflects the impact of COVID-19 upon the industry. It is interesting to note that April’s figures were up three percent when compared to the previous month, March 2020.

Looking back to previous months, U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers—the type used in desktop office and home printers—in February decreased seven percent compared to February 2019 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) compared to January 2020. UFS imports decreased 36 percent while exports increased 31 percent in January 2020.

Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 27 percent compared to April 2019 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to March 2020. CFS imports decreased 10 percent while exports increased three percent in March 2020.

U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 18 percent compared to last April while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.2 percent) compared to March 2020. CM imports decreased 33 percent while exports increased 13 percent in March 2020.

Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 31 percent compared to April 2019 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to March 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2019, down 19 percent and 12 percent respectively.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman Statistics_Publications@AFandPA.org or phoning +1-202-463-4716.

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. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

Related:

• COVID-19 Drives Ups and Downs in Paper Supply