U.S. Containerboard Markets Flat

U.S. domestic containerboard pricing has been relatively stable, according to Wilde. "We now expect containerboard prices to remain flat for the rest of the fiscal year against our earlier estimates of a $11/ton y/y decline. For 2013, we're estimating a modest increase of ˜$20/ton y/y."

The increase in OCC (old corrugated container) prices has been subdued and natural gas prices are at record low, Wilde notes. However, he adds, freight and fuel costs remain high. Resin costs are also on an upswing

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