Voith Paper
Past Issues | TAPPI.org | Advertise | Buyers Guide | TAPPI Press Catalog
Travels with Larry Archive

Uncoated Free Sheet Demand Slow, Inventories Rising

Print Print this article | Send to Colleague

U.S. uncoated free sheet (UFS) demand also remains weak, Wilde reports, noting that AF&PA data show July shipments falling 4.7% y/y (YTD -2.8% y/y). Inventories, he adds, are rising: +5.3% m/m. In August, repro-bond estimated prices rose $5 - $10/ton to $1,085 - $1,135/ton, -0.9% y/y. So far, producers have implemented $35 - $40/ton out of the $60/ton June 1 price hike. Pricing has been aided by supply cuts, lower inventories, and favorable trade flows. Offset estimated prices fell $10/ton to $935 - $955/ton, +0.5% y/y. With the August decline, producers have been able to implement only $15 of a $40/ton April 1 price hike. Looking ahead, the state of the economy and extent of pulp price declines are apt to be key issues for UFS prices.

 

Xerium Technologies, Inc.
Panther Systems, Inc
Sweed Machinery, Inc