Uncoated Free Sheet Markets Tightening

It's not on the scale of IP's early 2010 Franklin, Va., USA, closure, but it will tighten the market, Wilde says, referring to Domtar's announcement last week that it will close a 25,000 tpy paper machine at Ashdown, Ark. The move suggests a focus on maintaining supply/demand balance in a structurally declining market, Wilde continues. Producers have announced a $40/ton price increase on offset rolls and converting grades for April. Reports suggest the $40/ton offset hike is gaining traction. Most industry participants expect a May cut-size attempt, he says.

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