AF&PA: U.S. Printing Paper Shipments Drop, Packaging Demand Rises
Paper Recycling | 2026-07-23 05:56:06
Year-to-date shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) dropped 9%, while coated free sheet (CFS) shipments fell 3%.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The latest monthly reports from the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) show mixed trends across the U.S. paper industry. Printing and writing paper demand remained weak, while packaging paper shipments continued to improve during June 2026.
According to the association, shipments of printing and writing papers declined by 8% in June compared with the same month a year earlier. At the same time, inventories edged up by 1% compared with May 2026, suggesting supply remained slightly higher despite softer demand.
Year-to-date shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) dropped 9%, while coated free sheet (CFS) shipments fell 3%. Mechanical (MECH) paper recorded the sharpest decline, with shipments plunging 28% from the same period in 2025.
In contrast, the packaging paper segment delivered stronger results. Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments increased 2% in June from a year earlier. Also, year-to-date shipments until June recorded 6% surge, AF&PA noted.
The bleached packaging papers operating rate climbed to 91.3% in June. Meanwhile, unbleached bag and sack paper shipments surged nearly 15% year over year, with year-to-date shipments rising by 7.7%.
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POLL
Which U.S. paper segment showed stronger performance in June 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. printing and writing paper shipments perform in June 2026?
Shipments declined 8% compared with June 2025.
- Which paper category recorded the steepest year-to-date decline?
Mechanical (MECH) paper, with shipments down 28% from the same period last year.
- How did packaging paper shipments perform?
Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments rose 2% in June and 6% year to date.
