Jan 28, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. total kraft paper shipments in December 2012 were 118 thousand tons, a decrease of 12% compared to the prior month, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. While bleached kraft paper shipments increased year-over-year 22%, the 17% year-over-year decline in shipments of the larger segment - unbleached kraft paper - was significant enough to bring overall kraft paper shipments down compared to 2011. Total month-end inventory increased 13% to 85.7 thousand tons this month compared to November 2012 month-end inventories. 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.