Imerys Increases Prices of Kaolin, Calcium Carbonate; Made in U.S., Brazil

Imerys Pigments for Paper North America, Atlanta, Ga., USA, has increased its prices for kaolin and calcium carbonate, subject to any provisions in individual customer contracts. Prices of kaolin manufactured in the U.S. and Brazil, including calcined kaolin products, will increase by 5% to 7%. Prices for ground calcium carbonate (GCC) will increase by 2% to 3%. In addition to this announced increase, the natural gas trigger price for the kaolin energy surcharge program will be standardized at $5.00 per MMBtu for all non-contract customers. The company says that cost increases in logistics, mining, chemicals, fuel, and power are key factors in this decision, adding that "despite Imerys' continual improvement programs and cost reductions to mitigate these effects, the price increases are necessary to achieve a sustainable pigment business."

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