Recycled Board Demand Stable

All of the major U.S. coated recycled board producers have announced a $40/ton price hike for early- to mid-September, Wilde reports (see Published Price Increases section below). July CRB estimated prices were flat at $910 - $930/ton, +11.5% y/y. CRB demand is stable with some seasonal pick-up. However, the key issue is margin compression from higher OCC, energy, and chemical costs. In URB, a price hike attempt is faltering. June prices were revised downward by $15/ton. Producers have announced a $30 - $50/ton price hike on URB, according to Wilde.

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