Market Pulp on the Rise

Softwood list prices are set to rise $30/metric ton in March, according to Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. This will take NBSK to $990/metric ton in the U.S., $980/metric ton in Europe, and $890 - $900/metric ton in China, Wilde adds. Spot prices have jumped $60/metric ton in the last month to $770 - $810/metric ton, and reports suggest some spot deals as high as $830. Chinese demand for NBSK remains strong. Substitution of high-priced dissolving pulp by NBSK is providing an incremental demand boost. In March, hardwood "list" prices are expected to be flat m/m, Wilde notes.

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