N.A. Coated GW Prices Rise in November

Lightweight coated paper prices in North America rose $5 - $10/ton in November as producers pushed a $40 - $60/ton price hike, Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank reports. No. 5, 40-lb offset rolls were at $880 - $920/ton, up $25/ton since September. This is the second price hike attempt of 2012 after producers implemented ˜50% of the $40/ton price hike during the summer. A seasonal pick-up in demand as well as widespread capacity closures has tightened supplies and raised operating rates.

Many observers expect a return to tougher markets by year-end as seasonal demand eases. Another issue is competition from lower-priced SC grades.

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