North American Paper Shipments Reported

The Pulp and Products Council has reported North American coated mechanical paper shipments fell -11.2% in May, as compared to the same month last year. Demand declined -5.8% for the month. Imports rose +19.4% and the operating rate was 84%. Coated woodfree shipments were down -1.8% in May, demand grew +1% and imports rose 8.2%. The operating rate was 83%. SC-A/SC-A+ paper shipments were up +32.5% and demand increased +15.7%. Imports fell -22.8%. SC-B/SNC+ paper shipments rose +8.8% and demand was up +13.9%. The operating rate for Supercalendered paper was 90%. Uncoated woodfree paper shipments declined -5.1% and demand was down -5.2%. Imports rose +7.6%. The operating rate was 89%.