Features Financial Reports & Markets
Industry Trends (May 01, 2006)

Most of the February data on paper industry performance was largely positive. The latest set, the woodfree numbers for W.E. from CEPIFINE, added to the positive sentiment. Total shipments of CWF were…

Most of the February data on paper industry performance was largely positive. The latest set, the woodfree numbers for W.E. from CEPIFINE, added to the positive sentiment. Total shipments of CWF were up over 6% for February and over 5% year-to-date. WE regional consumption growth was even faster as the shipments grew more to the region than to outside. In uncoated woodfrees, the growth was also satisfactory with the total shipments up by nearly 4% in February and just under 3% year-to-date.

For all grades, the year-to-date increase against 2005 has been about 3%.

In the US market, the tightness continues in uncoated free sheet but increased shipments to the regional markets appeared to soften the earlier very firm situation in the packaging sector.

US newsprint market remains weak in terms of demand. The inventories climbed also higher in February.

Prices move gradually higher, though, helped by the closures and other supply reductions, such as the lengthy labour dispute at the large Port Hawkesbury mill in Canada.

ABRIDGED VERSION. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE FOEX WEBSITE AT WWW.FOEX.FI, PHONE: +358-9-439 1030