Coated groundwood markets are somewhat of a mixed bag, with trade papers showing marginally lower prices (down $2 - $5 per ton), Wilde reports, adding that "some of our trade sources, however, suggest that North American 'spot' prices are rising. Despite a recent $20 per ton price hike initiative by NewPage, Myllykoski, and Verso, reported prices were marginally down in December (No. 5, 40 lb list price = - $5 per ton to $750 - $780 per ton). Preliminary November shipment data show dramatic improvement, (+ 14.7% y/y, YTD - 22.4% y/y), and hints that the market may be stabilizing.

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