US boxboard markets entered 2013 in "puzzling" conditions from fourth quarter with a new crack in bleached board prices, and looming price increases set for unbleached kraft based on demand and uncoated recycled grades driven by costs. Large buyers said they achieved around $20/ton price declines for solid bleached sulfate (SBS) folding carton in January after being unable to gain discounts in December, even on increased tonnage. Producers now are grappling with high board inventories, up 26% year-over-year in December, excess capacity and lower exports, and are warding off imports with lower prices, sources said.
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