Oct 05, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments decreased 10.9% in August compared to August 2008, The American Forest & Paper Association reported. For the year to date, shipments were down 20.2% – all four grades recorded the lowest year to date decline when compared to 2008 for the second consecutive month. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports – exports) of printing-writing papers dropped 15.7% in August versus year-ago August and declined 22.3% for the year to date. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1,400 tons, or 0.1%, from July.