European Newsprint Demand up, Shipments Down

In April, European demand for newsprint edged up 2.5% (18,000 metric tons) compared with the same period last year, according to CEPIPRINT, Brussels, Belgium. However, total shipments were down 2.5% (22,000 metric tons) due to a drop in exports of the grade. Shipments overseas fell 32.5% (53,000 metric tons) in April, partly due to a slump in exports to the Far East, CEPIPRINT reports.

In the SC-magazine paper sector, exports climbed 21.9% (13,000 metric tons) in April. The rise in shipments overseas helped to offset the flat level of shipments to Europe, which fell just 0.5% (1,000 metric tons) compared with the year-earlier period.

There was a similar picture in the Coated Mechanical Reels sector in April, with exports of the grade rising 38.3% (41,000 metric tons). Shipments to Europe were down 1.1% (5,000 metric tons), but thanks to the boost from exports in April, the level of total shipments of CMR was up 5.5% (35,000 metric tons).

In the uncoated mechanical sector, European demand was level at 182,000 metric tons in April 2011 against April 2010. Shipments overseas were down 2.5%, but this only represented a drop of 1,000 metric tons. As a result of the flat development, total European shipments of the grade remained unchanged at 218,000 metric tons in April.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/