Jan 05, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. printing-writing paper shipments increased 2% in November compared to November 2008 – this is the first year-ago increase in nearly two years, the last coming in February 2008, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. For the year to date, shipments were down 17% – all four major printing-writing grades recorded the lowest year to date decline when compared to 2008 for the fifth consecutive month. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports – exports) of printing-writing papers also increased in November, up 1% versus year-ago November yet are still down 19% for the year to date. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 6,500 tons, less than half a percentage point, from October. 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.