Jun 22, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. total kraft paper shipments in May were 139.2 thousand tons, an increase of 2.3% compared to May 2011. Total inventory was 70.1 thousand tons the month. Total bleached kraft shipments increased year over year for all months in 2012, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. 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.