AF&PA: Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Down; Packaging Rises Slightly
Paper Recycling | 2026-01-21 06:52:43
Printing-writing paper inventories also eased, decreasing 2 percent from November 2025 levels.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its December 2025 Printing-Writing and Packaging Papers Monthly reports, highlighting contrasting trends across key paper segments.
According to the Printing-Writing Monthly report, total printing-writing paper shipments declined sharply, falling 11 percent in December 2025 compared with December 2024. On a year-to-date basis, shipments were down 8 percent, reflecting continued structural demand pressures. Printing-writing paper inventories also eased, decreasing 2 percent from November 2025 levels.
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Using the latest U.S. Census Bureau trade data from October 2025, AF&PA noted a 14 percent decline in purchases across the three major printing-writing paper categories—uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH)—compared with October 2024. Among these, mechanical paper purchases saw the steepest drop, plunging 18 percent year over year.
In contrast, the Packaging Papers Monthly report showed modest growth. Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments increased 2 percent in December and were up 1 percent year-to-date. The bleached paper operating rate rose to 74.5 percent. Unbleached bag and sack shipments fell 2.6 percent year over year, and total inventories climbed 6 percent compared with last December.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did printing-writing paper shipments decline?
Structural demand pressures and decreased purchases in key categories—UFS, CFS, and mechanical papers—drove the decline.
- Which paper type saw the steepest drop?
Mechanical paper, with an 18% year-over-year decline in purchases.
- How did packaging papers perform in December 2025?
Shipments grew 2% in December and were up 1% year-to-date, supported by higher bleached paper operating rates.
