Nov 22, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in October was 2.5 million tons, 6% lower than October of last year, but 1.5% higher than September 2011, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Modest increases compared to last month were observed across three grades of recovered paper, led by newspaper consumption which went up 11%, followed by a 10% increase in high grade deinking consumption. Overall, though, year-to-date consumption compared to the same period in 2010 has now decreased by 5%. Inventories remained essentially flat compared to last month and to October of last year, but are still at relatively high levels for 2011. U.S. exports of recovered paper dropped 5% in September compared to August, which is the highest drop since February. Nevertheless, year-to-date exports in 2011 continue to be 14% higher than last year by volume. Imports, despite being relatively inconsequential in U.S. recovered paper trade, are 30% higher year-over-year. The American Forest & Paper Association is the national trade association of the forest products industry, representing pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturers, and forest landowners.