Apr 23, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. kraft paper shipments decreased by 3.3% in March compared to February 2009, a decline of 3600 tons. Total kraft paper inventory increased 10.3%, 7300 tons higher than February 2009, as American Forest & Paper Association informed Lesprom Network. Total unbleached kraft shipments dropped by 3.7% from last month, and 29.5% compared to March 2008. The total unbleached kraft inventory increased 15.5% from last month. The total shipments of unbleached kraft bag & sack decreased 16.3% compared to February 2009, and 32.8% decrease compared to the same month of last year. Even with the decrease of shipments of unbleached kraft paper in March, the shipments of unbleached kraft multiwall were 4.8% higher than previous month, an increase of 1100 tons. Unbleached kraft converting shipments also increased 4.5% in March compared to February 2009. The total year-to-date of 2009 shipments had an increase of 2.5%. Total bleached kraft shipments had a slight increase of 0.9% compared to last month, and a drop of 30.7% compared to March 2008. The total bleached kraft inventory dropped 7.5%, 1200 tons lower than February 2009.