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Market Pulp prices rose $30/ton in November, the sixth month in a row in the U.S. and seventh in a row in Europe and Asia, according to Wilde. NBSK rose to $830/metric ton. The increase was driven by a sharp rise in U.S. spot prices, low mill inventories in the U.S. and Europe, strong Chinese demand, and a weaker U.S. dollar, Wilde explains, adding that reports suggest an additional hike is looming for this month. For China, NBSK rose to $675/metric ton (from $645/ metric ton). However, anecdotal reports suggest demand in China may slow down in the coming months from inventory overhang, estimated to be around 400,000-500,000 metric tons. Further, higher prices are drawing high-cost Chinese pulp mills back into production, as market prices are now well above cash-cost. Meanwhile, other supply is also creeping back. North American mills considering restarts include Buchanan Forest Products' 475,000 metric tpy NBSK mill at Terrace Bay, Ont., Mackenzie Pulp's 220,000 metric tpy NBSK mill at Mackenzie, B.C., and Fraser Papers' 250,000metric tpy NBHK mill at Thurso, Que.
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