International Paper closes Bastrop pulp mill amid economic, demand woes; US spot prices tank but erosion slows in China

摘要

The global pulp market is hobbling along through a down period as prices decline, producers curtail output in an effort to curb an inventory rise, and market participants watch for the next permanent or indefinite mill closure. International Paper (IP), which completed a conversion at its Bastrop, LA, mill that made it a standalone market pulp operation with 410,000 tonnes/yr of capacity just months ago, became the latest casualty of current weak market when it said that it would indefinitely close down the mill. Also in US pulp spot markets, prices toppled 60-65/tonne in new heated competition for business as buyers renewed their bargain hunting.