U.S. Newsprint Remains Flat

April estimated 30-lb U.S. newsprint prices were flat at $640/metric ton, +11.3% y/y, Wilde reports. But newsprint prices appear to be under pressure, he adds. There are reports of some spot deals for smaller printers.

Recent newsprint data published by PPPC were encouraging, Wilde notes. Consumption at U.S. dailies was +0.6% y/y. This was the first increase since +2% in December 2006. A recent price increase in Europe to EUR 500/metric ton ($720/metric ton) is aiding exports. Higher input costs and a strong Canadian dollar are squeezing margins.

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