Jan 31, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 9% in December 2012 compared to December 2011. For the year of 2012, printing-writing and related paper shipments were 4.6% below the 2011 level, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. All four of the major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to last December, with inventory levels increasing in November, led by double-digit increases in mechanical grade papers. December shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 7% when compared to December 2011 and were down 3% for the year in 2012. Year-to-date imports of CFS through November were down 12% compared to the 11-month period in 2011. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers shipments decreased 7% compared to December. Annual purchases of UFS papers for the year were down 4% compared to 2011. Year-to-date UFS imports are up 4% in 2012 compared to same 11 months in 2011. December uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 27% when compared to December 2011, with annual shipments 17% below 2011 levels. December shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers decreased 10% compared to December 2011 and 5% for the year. The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.