The American Forest & Paper Association has released its latest Printing-Writing Monthly report, showing continued weakness in the U.S. printing and writing paper market.

According to the report, U.S. printing-writing paper shipments in May 2026 declined 14% compared with May 2025, reflecting ongoing demand challenges across several paper grades.

Inventories Increase Despite Lower Shipments

While shipments fell sharply, total printing-writing paper inventories increased 6% compared with April 2026.

The inventory growth suggests supply levels remain elevated despite weaker market demand, creating additional pressure on producers operating in the segment.

Mixed Demand Trends Across Major Paper Grades

Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and AF&PA, April purchasing activity showed varying performance across the industry’s three primary printing-writing categories:

• Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS): down 5%
• Coated Free Sheet (CFS): up 3%
• Mechanical Papers (MECH): up 1%

Overall purchases of total printing-writing papers declined 2% year-over-year during April.

The results indicate that while some specialty and coated grades continue to find market support, broader demand for printing and writing papers remains under pressure.

Structural Challenges Continue

The printing-writing paper sector has faced long-term demand declines driven by:

• Digitalization of communications
• Reduced office printing
• Lower demand for graphic papers
• Electronic document adoption
• Shifts in advertising and publishing formats

Many producers have responded through capacity rationalization, mill conversions, and greater focus on packaging and specialty paper markets.

Industry Outlook

The latest AF&PA data highlights the continuing transformation of the North American paper industry. While packaging grades remain relatively resilient, printing-writing papers continue to face structural demand challenges.

Market participants will closely monitor inventory levels and purchasing trends during the second half of 2026 to assess whether demand stabilizes or additional production adjustments become necessary.

The U.S. forest products industry remains a major manufacturing sector, supporting more than 925,000 jobs nationwide and ranking among the top ten manufacturing employers in 44 states.

Source: AF&PA Printing-Writing Monthly Report (May 2026)

Last Updated on 23/06/2026 by Jota Machinery