Feb 24, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments increased 9% in January compared to January 2009 - the third consecutive year-ago increase, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Three of the four major printing-writing grades recorded double-digit growth when compared to 2009. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports - exports) of printing-writing papers also increased in January, up 4% versus year-ago January. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 9,800 tons from December, an increase of 1%. The American Forest & Paper Association is the national trade association of the forest products industry, representing pulp, paper, and wood products manufacturers, and forest landowners.