WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association has released its August 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report.
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 5 percent in August compared to August 2011. All four major printing-writing grades posted single-digit decreases compared to last August. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down 6 percent in August. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 5 percent from last month, primarily due to double-digit decreases in mechanical-grade paper inventories. Additional key findings include:
- Shipments of coated free sheet papers decreased year-over-year, but August shipments reached the highest level since October 2011.
- Shipments of uncoated free sheet papers down year-over-year, the sixth consecutive single-digit year-over-year decrease.
- Uncoated mechanical paper inventories dropped sharply.
- Inventory of coated mechanical papers also dropped and hit the lowest point since December 2007.
The complete survey with detailed tables can be purchased by contacting Dina Menton at dina_menton@afandpa.org or 202-463-2710.
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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. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org.