N.A. Softwood Pulp Markets Improving, Hardwood Pulp Flat

Softwood pulp prices are rebounding in North America, up $20/metric ton in November for a second consecutive month, according to Mark Wilde with Deutsche Bank. North American NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) pulp rose to $870/metric ton. The key drivers are seasonally stronger demand, increased shipments to China, lower mill inventories, and autumn maintenance outages, Wilde explains.

North American hardwood pulp prices were essentially flat m/m in November, except NBHK (northern bleached hardwood kraft) pulp, which was up $5-$10/metric ton, Wilde says.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/