AF&PA Releases May 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

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

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 14% in May compared to May 2025. Using the latest trade data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 2% in April compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 6% when compared to April 2026.

Across the 3 major printing-writing categories–uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH)–U.S. purchases in April showed mixed year‑over‑year results. UFS purchases decreased 5%, CFS purchases increased 3%, and MECH purchases increased 1%.

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.