Global Pulp Market Turnaround Underway

The global pulp market started to recover this fall after having been in decline for more than a year, according to Wood Resources Quarterly (WRQ), Seattle, Wash., USA. World shipments increased 11% from July to September. Softwood pulp (NBSK—northern bleached softwood kraft) prices have trended downward for more than a year from their record highs in the summer of 2011. This relatively long-lasting price decline seems to have come to an end this fall and higher prices are currently being negotiated.

Hardwood pulp (BHKP—bleached hardwood kraft pulp) prices have not experienced the same price fall as NBSK prices, WRQ notes. The recent price trends for pulp have resulted in a minimal price differential between softwood and hardwood pulp.

More information is available online.

TAPPI
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