Coated Groundwood Flat

In December, No. 5, 40-lb offset roll list prices were flat at $795 - $875/ton on a m/m basis, reports Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. The recent big news, he says, was UPM's agreement to acquire Myllykoski, adding that the much-anticipated move helps consolidate the European publishing papers market.

NewPage's recent announcement to close its 250,000 tpy LWC mill in Whiting, Wis., USA, by late-February failed to save a January $20 - $50/ton hike attempt, Wilde notes. NewPage was forced to rescind the move. Preliminary November shipments were essentially flat y/y, down 0.6% y/y. On a YTD basis, shipments are +12.2% y/y, according to Wilde.

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