May 20, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. kraft paper shipments increased by 2.3% in April, or 2400 tons compared to March 2009. Total kraft paper inventory has dropped 4.2%, 3300 tons lower than March 2009, as The American Forest & Paper Association informed Lesprom Network. U.S. unbleached kraft shipments increased by 1.8% from last month, howeverstill down 32.1% compared to April 2008. The total unbleached kraft inventory decreased 5.7% compared to last month, a decline of 3600 tons. The total shipments of unbleached kraft bag and sack increased 10.8% compared to March 2009. For the year-to-date, the shipments were 30.2% below last year. The total shipments of unbleached kraft multiwall sack also increased 1.3%, or 300 tons compared to last month. Unbleached kraft converting shipments decreased 5.7% in April compared to March 2009. The total year-to-date of 2009 shipments fell 4.1% compared to 2008. Total bleached kraft shipments increased 6.1% compared to last month, however a drop of 19.7% compared to April 2008. The total bleached kraft inventory increased 2.0%, 300 tons higher than March 2009.