Jan 24, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. paper industry consumed 31.3 million tons of recovered paper in 2010, a 7% increase over 2009 consumption levels. Consumption in December was approximately flat when compared to the previous month, as the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. The U.S. exported 1% less recovered paper in November than in October. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper are down 2% compared to the same months last year. 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.