The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published the March 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments fell 7% in March compared to March 2025.
Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in March decreased 1% when compared to February 2026.
February 2026 purchases of total printing-writing papers declined 3% compared to February 2025, according to the latest available trade data from the US Census Bureau.
Within the three major categories, performance varied: uncoated free sheet purchases fell 5%, coated free sheet purchases rose 6%, and mechanical paper purchases declined 5%.
About AF&PA
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually.
