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February 17, 2026
Press Release

AF&PA Releases January 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the January 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 13% in January compared to January 2025. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 16% in January compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 3% when compared to December 2025.

Using the latest available trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau, November 2025, across the 3 major printing-writing categories – uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) – exports declined 19% while imports declined 10%, compared to November 2024. Individually, only CFS exports showed an increase, up 9%.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202‑463‑4716.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030. 

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