Jan 25, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments increased 6% in December compared to December 2008 – this is the second consecutive year-ago increase, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. For the year to date, shipments were down 15% – all four major printing-writing grades recorded the lowest year to date decline when compared to 2008 for the sixth consecutive month. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports – exports) of printing-writing papers also increased in December, up 3% versus year-ago December yet were still down 17% for the year to date. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 41,000 tons from November, a decrease of 2%. 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.