SBS Markets Tight in the U.S.

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Bleached kraft board/SBS (solid bleached sulfate) is a tight market in the U.S. right now, Wilde says. Prices for 14-pt polyethylene-coated cupstock rose $20/ton in June to $1,320 - $1,375/ton. Producers announced a $50 - $60/ton price increase on cupstock, platestock, and bristol grades, effective June/July. The current price increase is driven by seasonally stronger cold cup demand and steady hot cup demand. This is the second price increase after the $40/ton March increase. SBS remains very tight with strong demand (unmade orders = 568,000 tons for the week ending June 9), high operating rates, and reduced supply from IP's Franklin, Va., and MWV's Evadale, Texas, mill/machine closures. Folding carton grade prices remained flat at $1,040 - $1,090/ton.