Directory paper prices in North America likely to rise in 2006

摘要

Negotiations between directory paper producers and buyers that will determine contract prices next year in North America are well under way,and sources say increases of at least 8%-9% could be implemented to offset the rises in freight,fiber,energy,and chemicals.The contract talks should be completed in the fourth quarter.The bulk of all directory tons sold in North America are based on contracts of typically one to three years with regional Bell operating companies and independent directory publishers,with only the remaining 10% or so sold to small commercial printers on the spot market.