N.A. Containerboard Flat

November estimated North American containerboard prices were flat m/m at $635 - $645/ton, Wilde continues. However, pressure on domestic prices is mounting, he says. "We're forecasting a drop of $5/ton q/q in the fourth quarter and $40 - $45/ton y/y in 2012. There are three key issues: 1) export demand has weakened (especially in Southern Europe), and prices are down $20 - $50/ton, with sharper declines in some markets; 2) OCC has fallen sharply in the past month (-$50/ton m/m); and 3) domestic demand is tepid and entering the seasonally slower winter months."

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