Dec 29, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. It is a quiet week in world newsprint markets as traders await expected price hike announcements by other major producers after Abitibi-Consolidated formally closed two plants permanently, market analysts said. So far, Abitibi has announced that prices for its newsprint will rise $40 a metric tonne on February 1, and Bowater and SP Newsprint have begun telling customers they had similar plans, market analysts said. Other firms like Kruger and White Birch also could follow, said Canadian paper analyst Jim Roland. A price hike in February would be highly unusual, Mr. Roland said. Seasonal demand moves lower while production remains steady. However, with production cuts taken this year, producers have a better grip on pricing issues, said Verle Sutton, publisher of The Reel Time report, an analytical report. And, although prices are at near-record highs, many Canadian firms continue to struggle with currency exchange issues and losses, he said. Because of the production cuts and the final shuttering of Abitibi's plants this month, Mr. Roland said there isn't much of a chance for publishers to thwart a price increase with advance purchases. The product isn't available. Finland's index provider FOEX this week reported its North American newsprint price index was up $0.45 a tonne to $613.53, $62.75 higher than it was on January 1. FOEX reported its European newsprint index price was down Euro 0.61 at Euro 489.84. This brings the index to Euro 24.33 above what it was on January 1. Pulpandpaper.net reported North American newsprint at $625 to $635 a ton as of December 1, up $5 from November 1. In comments accompanying its indices, FOEX this week said newsprint demand continues to decline, although the latest figures from the Pulp and Paper Products Council says shipments in November were down less than in previous months. Leveling of shipments declines along with the industry's downsizing have combined to maintain a healthy supply/demand balance. In Europe, regional demand was down 0.3% in November, but exports dropped by as much as 15%. However, annual demand in Western Europe still was positive, with a 1.2% gain, although part of this was supplied from outside the region.