The North American uncoated free sheet sector could see price increase announcements in the next few weeks, reports Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. Initiatives in the $60 per ton range on a variety of UFS grades seem likely, he says, adding that, depending on the size and speed of implementation, a successful hike could lead to upward revisions in 2010 earnings estimates. Deutsche Bank's current estimates project UFS prices rising $10/ton in Q1, $20/ton in Q2, and $30 in Q3.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/