April 23, 2009 - The American Forest & Paper Association reports that in March 2009, total Kraft paper shipments decreased by 3.3% compared to February 2009, a decline of 3600 tons.

Total Kraft paper inventory increased 10.3% in March, 7300 tons higher than February.

Total Unbleached Kraft shipments dropped by 3.7% from last month, and 29.5% compared to March 2008. The total Unbleached Kraft inventory increased 15.5% from last month.

The total shipments of Unbleached Kraft Bag & Sack decreased 16.3% compared to February 2009, and 32.8% decrease compared to the same month of last year.

Even with the decrease of shipments of Unbleached Kraft paper in March, the shipments of Unbleached Kraft Multiwall were 4.8% higher than previous month, an increase of 1100 tons.

Unbleached Kraft Converting shipments also increased 4.5% in March compared to February 2009. The total year-to-date of 2009 shipments had an increase of 2.5%.

Total Bleached Kraft shipments had a slight increase of 0.9% compared to last month, and a drop of 30.7% compared to March 2008.

The total Bleached Kraft inventory dropped 7.5%, 1200 tons lower than February 2009.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)