Aug 10, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. CEPIPRINT in its June report on European mechanical paper said that with the exception of newsprint, shipments and European demand recorded a drop for all grades compared to the year-earlier period, PaperAge journal reported. Demand for newsprint in Europe fell 14.7% (130,000 tonnes) in June. Domestic shipments were down 14.6% (123,000 tonnes). However, a 50.3% (55,000 tonnes) rise in overseas shipments of the grade (largely to Malaysia, Egypt and Turkey) prevented Total European shipments from contacting more than 7.2% (69,000 tonnes). The SC-magazine paper sector saw European demand shrink 8.9% (31,000 tonnes) in June. Total shipments were down 15.6% (66,000 tonnes) including a 45.4% (35,000 tonnes) drop in exports. Coated mechanical reels also suffered losses through June with European demand falling 27.7% (180,000 tonnes). The largest market contactions were in Germany, Italy and France. The drop in domestic shipments coupled with a 19.4% (24,000 tonnes) reduction in oversease trade added up to a contraction of 26.4% (204,000 tonnes) in total European shipments. Demand for uncoated mechanical papers declined 14.5% (27,000 tonnes) last month. Exports of the grade fell 48.7% (26,000 tonnes) with total European shipments tumbling 22.2% (53,000 tonnes) compared to same period last year.