Press Release

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 14% in December compared to December 2022. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 25% in November compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 3% when compared to November 2023.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to December 2022.

The American Forest & Paper Association applauds Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto New York’s Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act. The proposed legislation brought significant concerns for our industry impacting non-tropical forest products. 

New York’s Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act ignores the fact that the U.S. paper and wood products industry champions sustainable forestry. The legislation is unnecessary because tropical deforestation is already banned in New York. AF&PA urges Governor Kathy Hochul to veto this bill…

AF&PA joined leaders of over 70 trade groups representing businesses across the economy in urging the Biden administration to maintain the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The letter warned that moving forward with EPA’s proposed…

Nearly 68% of paper and more than 93% of cardboard consumed in the United States was recycled in 2022. Paper recycling rates have remained consistently high – meeting or exceeding 63% each year since 2009.

AF&PA opposes one-size-fits-all policies to address recycling in Massachusetts. Current proposals do not reflect the complexities of the state’s recycling system. We encourage Massachusetts lawmakers to take a more solution-oriented approach and avoid measures that penalize the forest products…

The American Forest & Paper Association is encouraged to see policymakers focus on improving recycling infrastructure. However, we are opposed to rushed, one-size-fits-all policies like S4246A / A5322A that do not reflect the complexities of the state’s recycling system and could impact the…

The American Forest & Paper Association opposes the EPA’s final rule for Federal Implementation Plans (FIP) Addressing Regional Ozone Transport for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NOx FIP). The "Good Neighbor" rule should exclude paper mill boilers.

AF&PA supports the SHIP IT Act to alleviate supply chain constraints resulting from challenges related to the ongoing rail labor uncertainties. This bipartisan bill takes a multifaceted approach to build stronger supply chains in the United States.

The American Forest & Paper Association and American Wood Council are disappointed EPA is proposing to significantly tighten the current NAAQS Standard for particulate matter. Lowering the NAAQS could stifle mill modernization projects that otherwise reduce emissions while keeping the U.S…

New Jersey is the only state in the nation that has banned paper bags. Lawmakers in Trenton can fix this broken law with an amendment to ensure access to paper bags, which are 100% recyclable, as well as reusable and compostable.