Oct 31, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in September 2011 was 2.46 million tons, 7% lower than September of last year, and 4% lower than August 2011, as the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. The decrease was observed across all grades of recovered paper, most noticeably in pulp substitutes at 10%. Overall, the year-to-date decrease in consumption compared to the same period in 2010 remains around 4%. On the other hand, inventories increased to their highest levels for this year, led by a 12% increase in mixed inventories. U.S. exports of recovered paper increased slightly in August compared to July. Year-to-date exports in 2011 continue to be 14% higher than last year by volume. Despite growing imports and decreasing consumption, estimated year-to-date recovery (consumption + exports – imports) is 2.6% higher than the same period last year, fueled by consistently strong exports of recovered paper. 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.