U.S. kraft paper shipments decrease 5.7% in October

Nov 19, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. kraft paper shipments were 124,600 tons in October, and a decrease of 5.7% from last month. The total kraft paper inventory was 600 tons higher than last month, American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Total unbleached kraft shipments decreased by 6.2% from last month. The year-to-date shipments of 2009 were 21.5% lower compared to 2008. The total unbleached kraft inventory dropped 2.8% over last month. The total shipments of unbleached kraft bag & sack declined 10.4% compared to September 2009, and 11.9% to October 2008. The total year-to-date shipments were 19.8% down. The total shipments of unbleached kraft multiwall sack fell to 34,700 tons this month. Compared with October 2008 the shipments were 13.5% down. Unbleached kraft converting shipments decreased 5.1% from last month. Compared to the same month of last year the shipments dropped by 14.6%. The total year-to-date shipments were 10.8% down. Total bleached kraft shipments rose 15.0% over October 2008 but decreased by 2.9% compared to last month. The total year-to-date shipments were 18.5% down. Total bleached kraft inventory rose to 18,100 tons, 2,200 tons higher than September 2009.