Softwood Bleached Craft-Pulp Prices on the Rise in Europe

Mar 22, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Producers are implementing the March softwood pulp price increases with little difficulty as the softwood market remains tight and extra volumes are scarce, Paperloop reported Northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp levels have risen from $590/tonne to $620/tonne, and southern pine prices also increased. But some suppliers suggested that paper producers may need a breather next month. Several coated woodfree manufacturers are pushing for a price increase in April, and pulp sellers fear that their customers would be unable to absorb the extra costs should they push for higher pulp prices. Eucalyptus list prices are set to remain unchanged this month. But suppliers predict that eucalyptus producers will shortly announce a price increase for next month to narrow the widening gap between softwood and hardwood pulp grades. Latin American producers are shipping any unwanted eucalyptus from their warehouses in Europe to Asia in a bid to reduce stocks. Meanwhile, a mixed hardwood price rise has been discarded since it became clear that eucalyptus producers would not push for an increase this month.