N.A. Coated Paper Markets Show Some Strength

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In the North American coated paper sector, Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank says that LWC (lightweight coated) paper  is showing signs of some strength. Estimated prices on No. 5, 40-lb offset rolls were up $15/ton to $850 - $890/ton in August. Producers had announced a $40-60/ton price hike for May/June.

The key driver, Wide notes, is improved demand/supply balance from ˜12% reduction in capacity (Verso's 180,000 tpy Sartell PM 3 and Resolute's 150,000 supercalendered machine No.1 at Catawba). July shipments were +0.3% y/y (YTD -2.8%). August No. 3 60-lb CFS (coated free sheet) prices were flat m/m at $965 - $985/ton. Producers failed to implement the $30/ton May price increase. July shipments improved modestly, down -0.9%, Wilde reports.