N.A. Coated Free Sheet Prices Edge up

No. 3 60-lb coated free sheet estimated prices rose $5 - $10/ton to $985 - $1,010/ton (+10.5% y/y) in April (announced = $40/ton), Wilde reports. Reports suggest that producers are finding it difficult to push-through the full hike, he adds. .

Implementation is "mixed" with price increases going through for new buyers and non-contract customers. NewPage recently announced a $60/ton price hike on its CFS grades, effective June 1. Producers are pointing to rising input costs as the key driver for price hikes. Preliminary March shipments were +19.4% m/m (mostly due to severe February weather) and +2.3% y/y. Reports suggest that NewPage, North America's No. 1 coated paper producer, could file for restructuring in the near-term, Wilde advises.

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