Oct 23, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. kraft paper shipments were 132.2 thousand tons in September, and an increase of 3.5% from last month. The total Kraft paper inventory dropped 900 tons to 72.2 thousand tons, American Forest & Paper Association reported. Unbleached kraft shipments increased by 0.6% from last month, the highest amount in 2009. Compared with the same month of last year the shipments were 7.9% lower. The year-to-date shipments of 2009 were 22.4% lower compared to 2008. The total unbleached kraft inventory dropped 3.8% over last month. The total shipments of unbleached kraft bag & sack declined 4.7% compared to August 2009, and 0.9% to September 2008. The total year-to-date shipments were 20.6% down. The total shipments of unbleached kraft multiwall sack rose to 35.6 thousand tons this month from 33.7 thousand tons last month. Compared with September 2008 the shipments were 15.6% down. Unbleached kraft converting shipments increased 2.8% from last month. Compared to the same month of last year the shipments droped 6.8%. The total year-to-date shipments were 10.4% down. Total bleached kraft shipments increased by 27.9% compared to last month, and 11.5% to September 2008. The total year-to-date shipments were 21.6% down. Total bleached kraft inventory rose to 15.9 thousand tons, 1,300 tons higher than August 2009.