Coated Groundwood Demand Weak

Demand for U.S. coated groundwood papers is weak and prices are under pressure, according to Wilde. Estimated prices on No. 5, 40-lb offset rolls fell $30/ton to $875 - $915/ton in December, he says, noting that according to PPPC, November shipments were down 6.3% y/y (YTD -7.3% y/y). Mills operated at 91% capacity in November. Some reports suggest producers are making SC paper on coated machines. Citing "demand headwinds" and rising inputs, Verso recently announced the shutdown of 90,000 tpy PM No. 2 at Bucksport, Maine, mill.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/