US Packaging Paper Shipments Rise 2% as Printing-Writing Demand Continues Slump
Paper Recycling | 2026-10-22 06:12:23
Bleached food-wrapping paper shipments increased 1.9% from September 2025. Year-to-date shipments were up by 3.3%.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has reported mixed performance across the US paper industry in September 2026. Packaging paper shipments increased, while printing-writing paper deliveries declined year-on-year.
According to AF&PA’s September Printing-Writing Monthly Report, total shipments of printing-writing papers fell 9% compared with September 2025. However, US purchases of these grades rose 6% in August from a year earlier. The U.S. printing-writing paper inventories declined 6% from August 2026 levels.
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Combined exports of uncoated free sheet, coated free sheet and mechanical papers declined 14% in August year-on-year. Uncoated free sheet exports dropped 17%, while mechanical paper exports fell 20%. In contrast, coated free sheet net exports increased 11%.
Meanwhile, the association’s September Packaging Papers Monthly Report said that total packaging and specialty packaging paper shipments climbed 2% year-on-year. Shipments for the first nine months of 2026 were 4% higher than in the corresponding 2025 period.
The operating rate for unbleached packaging paper reached 90.9% in September, marking the second-highest level recorded so far this year and the third month in 2026 above the 90% threshold.
Bleached food-wrapping paper shipments increased 1.9% from September 2025. Year-to-date shipments were up by 3.3%.
Imports also continued to expand, rising nearly 10% during the first nine months of 2026. Imports of unbleached bag, sack and multiwall papers surged 24.2%, with shipments from Canada increasing nearly 30%. Imports from other destinations declined 3.4%, according to AF&PA data.
POLL
Which segment recorded year-on-year shipment growth in September 2026, according to AF&PA?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. printing-writing paper shipments perform in September 2026?
Total printing-writing paper shipments declined 9% compared with September 2025. However, U.S. purchases increased 6% year-on-year in August, while inventories fell 6% from August 2026 levels.
- Which printing-writing paper grades recorded export declines?
Combined exports of uncoated free sheet, coated free sheet and mechanical papers fell 14% in August year-on-year. Uncoated free sheet exports dropped 17%, and mechanical paper exports declined 20%. Coated free sheet net exports, however, increased 11%.
- How did the U.S. packaging paper market perform in September?
Total packaging and specialty packaging paper shipments rose 2% year-on-year, while year-to-date shipments increased 4%. The operating rate for unbleached packaging paper reached 90.9%, its second-highest level so far in 2026. Bleached food-wrapping paper shipments increased 1.9% year-on-year.
