Jul 21, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments increased 11% in June compared to June 2009 – the eighth consecutive year-over-year increase and the sixth double-digit year-over-year increase, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Three of the four major printing-writing grades posted double-digit increases compared to last June, while the fourth was down one percent. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports – exports) of printing-writing papers also increased in June, up 4% year-over-year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels edged down 2% from May 2010. Uncoated free sheet shipments in June declined 1% from June 2009. Coated free sheet and uncoated mechanical shipments were the largest for any month of 2010 thus far. Shipments of coated mechanical increased 15% from June 2009.