N.A. Uncoated Free Sheet Markets Unsettled

Domtar has announced a $60/ton price hike on cut-size papers, effective June 1 (see Published Price Increases below), despite evidence of sluggish demand and an uneven pricing, according to Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. "Indeed, Domtar, IP, and Boise have all reported small ($7 - $15/ton) q/q prices declines during Q1," he added, noting that North American producers implemented partial increases on offset ($25/ton) and converting grades ($20/ton) in April, out of the $40/ton hike announced. The combination of a weak U.S. dollar and rising market pulp costs are helping to create a healthy pricing floor, he says.

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