February Bleak Month For Paper Shipments

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6 percent compared to February 2010, according to the American Forest and Paper Association's February 2011 Printing-Writing Paper Report. All four major printing-writing grades posted decreases.

U.S. purchases (shipments + imports - exports) of printing-writing papers also decreased 6 percent in February. Total inventory levels increased 2 percent compared to January 2011.