U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decline 11% in December 2025

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the December 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly report. Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 11% in December compared to December 2024 and 8% on a year-to-date basis.​

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to November 2025.​

Using the latest available trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau for October 2025, across the three major printing-writing categories — uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) — purchases declined 14% in October compared to October 2024. MECH purchases decreased the most, down 18% over the same period.​

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.​

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) advances public policies fostering economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for the sector producing essential paper and packaging products used daily by Americans. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, mostly in rural America, ranking among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 44 states. The industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies produce and use renewable biomass energy, committed to sustainable products through the Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 initiative.