AF&PA Announced Publication of Latest Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Report

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging report for the month of January this year. The total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January 2021 was up by 2% in comparison with the same month a year before.

The operating rate stood at 85.8%, more or less flat when compared with the rate of 85.7% in January last year. The mill inventories have increased by 2,000 short during the month, to end at a level higher by 11,000 short tons from January 2020.

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According to the January 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly report, the total printing-writing paper shipments witnessed significant decline by 25% compared to January 2020. The U.S. purchases too were down by 22% during the month. The total printing-writing paper inventory levels surged 3% from the previous month.

The uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 20% compared to January 2020. The UFS imports increased 41% while exports decreased 40% in December 2020. Meantime, the coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 33% over the year. The CFS imports and exports were down by 21% and 6% respectively. Also, uncoated mechanical (UM) paper imports and exports declined by 19% and 8% respectively, when compared with December 2020.