Nov 25, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. European demand for newsprint fell 14.6% (139,000 tonnes) in October compared to the same period last year, with the largest declines in tonnage terms recorded in Russia and the UK. Total European shipments of newsprint dropped 12.1% (128,000 tonnes), CEPIPRINT, the Association of European Publication Paper Producers said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. In the SC-Magazine paper sector, European demand fell 6.3% (24,000 tonnes) with a large part of the reduction coming from Germany. There were, however, slight increases in several countries. Total European shipments of the grade dipped 10.6% (49,000 tonnes) with exports showing the biggest contraction in year-on-year percentage terms. Demand for coated mechanical reels took a 20% hit last month as the level dropped by 135,000 tonnes year-on-year. The largest contractions were in Germany and Italy. Exports held up reasonably well last month, as overseas shipments reduced by just 4.2% (6,000 tonnes) against the 20% drop seen locally. European demand for uncoated mechanical grades lowered by 12.5% (26,000 tonnes) last month with Spain showing the largest loss, but in fact, the largest markets (other than Spain), namely Germany, UK, Italy and France, remained relatively stable. Total shipments were down 16% (42,000 tonnes).