AF&PA Released May 2025 Packaging Papers Report

The report states that in May 2025, the total shipments of printing and writing paper had a 5% decrease from the previous year.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Packaging Papers Monthly Report for May 2025 was published by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).

When compared to the same period last year, the overall exports of packing sheets and specialized packaging fell by almost 7% for the month. When compared to the same five-month period in 2024, they were down 4%.

The operating rate for bleached packaging paper increased by 1.6% year over year to 73.1%. However, the year-to-date operating rate remained essentially flat, falling marginally by 0.4%. According to AF&PA, bag and sack shipments in May 2025 totalled 97,500 short tons, a 11.1% decrease over the same month the previous year. The year-to-date shipments were down by 9.7%.

The report states that in May 2025, the total shipments of printing and writing paper had a 5% decrease from the previous year. Also, the total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to April 2025.

The United States' exports of mechanical (MECH), coated free sheet (CFS), and uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper showed a mixed trend month over month, according to AF&PA. On a monthly and year-to-date basis, UFS and CFS shipments declined. On the other hand, MECH sheet exports increased.

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