Excess Supply Weakens Domestic UFS Markets

Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS) prices are easing n the U.S., Wilde reports. Estimated offset prices, he notes, fell $5/ton to $930 - $950/ton in September. Cut-size estimated prices fell $10/ton to $1,075 -$1,125/ton in September. Preliminary August shipments fell 2.6% y/y. "Even with the recent closures, there appears to be excess UFS supply in the domestic market," Wilde says, adding that "we suspect some CFS (coated free sheet) mills are running UFS. We're watching FX closely as a rise in the U.S. dollar could pull more imports from Brazil or Europe."

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