North American uncoated freesheet producers look past weak winter to stronger condition,possible price rises later in 2007

摘要

After weak demand to start 2007,uncoated freesheet (UFS) producers in North America anticipate possibly price increase announcements as early as April,sources said last week.Demand for UFS remained firm well into the traditionally slow winter season last year and turned suddenly soft late in December,continuing weak throughout January and into February as customers reduced inventory (P&PW,Jan.22,p.8).As a result,operating rates at UFS mills in the U.S.and Canada fell to 85% in December compared with their December 2005 average of 93% as mills curtailed production and supply rather than aggressively cut prices,contacts said.