Softwood prices are set to rise $30/metric ton in key regions in March, Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank, reports. Key drivers are strong Chinese demand post-Chinese New Year, higher North American spot prices (+$20/metric ton week/week, and +$50/metric ton since January), and low inventory levels. If successful, this will be the first increase since June 2010 in North America and will take NBSK list price to $990/metric ton.
In China, the $30/metric ton price increase will take the list price to $890 - $900/metric ton. In Europe, producers have announced $980/metric ton for March, +$30/metric ton. Globally, hardwood prices continue to lag softwood.
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