Jan 26, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. European demand for the mechanical paper grades was down across the board in December 2009. The newsprint sector recorded a 20% (215,000 tonnes) drop in European demand with the largest contractions seen in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, CEPIPRINT reported. Total European shipments of the newsprint grade were down 12% (125,000 tonnes) compared to the year-earlier period despite a 56% (50,000 tonnes) rise in exports to several Near East and Far East destinations. European demand for SC-Magazine was 16% (65,000 tonnes) lower in December year-on-year with the largest markets absorbing most of the hit. Overseas shipments of SC-Magazine were also down some 9.0% (6,000 tonnes) last month. Coated mechanical reels saw domestic demand fall 17% (110,000 tonnes) at the end of last year. The corresponding drop in local shipments was spread across several of the main European destinations. On the plus side, exports of CMR picked up by 7.0%, but the increase only represents some 7,000 tonnes. The uncoated mechanical paper quality showed a similar contraction in European demand to the other grades in this sector through December. Domestic shipments were down 17% (35,000 tonnes), while exports declined by 5.0% (2,000 tonnes). CEPIPRINT is a legally and financially independent association based in Brussels Belgium. It is a non-profit making organisation funded by its members, who are manufacturers of newsprint and magazine paper grades in Europe.