Containerboard Remains Flat

Containerboard list prices remained flat in October, according to Wilde. Domestic box shipments showed surprising strength in September, +4.6% y/y, he notes. "Although inventories rose for the fourth straight month, levels remain relatively low and we were encouraged by the strong shipment figures. Export volumes appear to be offsetting some of the easing in domestic demand. One cautionary note: we talked with several brokers at last week's International Containerboard Conference and heard consistent reports of export pricing to the Middle East coming under severe pressure. Prices are reportedly down ˜$80 - $100/ton in recent weeks. On the cost side, domestic OCC continues to rise," Wilde reports.

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