Market Pulp Still Weakening

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Pulp prices could come under further pressure in September, according to Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. July pulp data was weaker-than-expected, he notes. Inventories rose by five days of supply to 39 days. August North American NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) list price was at $990/metric ton.

"We've received reports of U.S. spot NBSK deals in the mid-$700s. In China, we’re hearing reports of some pick-up in demand. North American and European producers have not yet announced September prices. But with the latest data, the bias is on the downside. In China, Arauco has announced flat prices for September and Ilim has announced a $40/metric ton increase," Wilde reports.