AF&PA Data Shows Drop in U.S. Printing Paper Shipments
Paper Recycling | 2026-02-18 06:54:53
Inventories edged 3% higher from December levels, suggesting slower off-take at the start of the year.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published its January 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report, highlighting continued softness in demand across major paper grades.
Total printing and writing paper shipments fell 13% year-on-year in January, while domestic purchases dropped 16% compared with the same month in 2025. Inventories edged 3% higher from December levels, suggesting slower off-take at the start of the year.
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Trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau for November 2025 indicate broad weakness across the three primary categories—uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH). Combined exports declined 19% year-on-year, while imports were down 10%. Among individual segments, only coated free sheet exports registered growth, rising 9%.
In its separate January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report, AF&PA noted that total packaging and specialty paper shipments slipped 1% year-on-year. The sector’s operating rate reached 80.7%, exceeding January and December 2025 levels but slightly below the full-year 2025 average of 81.2%. Unbleached multiwall shipments rose 6.9%, while full-year 2025 packaging paper imports increased nearly 6% compared with 2024.
POLL
What is the primary reason for the continued weakness in printing and writing paper demand?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did printing and writing paper shipments perform in January 2026?
Shipments declined 13% year-on-year, while domestic purchases dropped 16%, reflecting continued demand softness.
- What were the trade trends across major paper grades?
Combined exports fell 19% and imports declined 10%, with coated free sheet exports being the only segment to grow (+9%).
- How did packaging and specialty papers perform?
Shipments slipped 1% year-on-year, while the operating rate improved to 80.7%, slightly below the 2025 annual average.
