Uncoated Free Sheet Shipments Improve Slightly

North American May shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) rose 1.1% m/m, but were down 1.1% on a y/y basis, according to Wilde, who adds that this is slightly better than the YTD decline of 2.4% y/y. "While recent supply cuts should sustain UFS prices, the other key variable will be the extent of any pulp price declines. In the near-term, current price hikes have been slow to roll-in. June estimated prices for 20-lb repro bond (cut-size) rose $20 - $25/ton (announced = $60/ton) to $1,070 - $1,115/ton, -2.5% y/y. At the same time, 50-lb offset roll prices were flat at $945 - $965/ton," he reports.

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