Coated Freesheet Recovery Showing Signs of Age, But Cost Pressures and Capacity Reductions Help Sustain Mill Gains

摘要

In step with a surging recovery last year in almost all major pulp, paper and paperboard markets, coated freesheet papers staged a solid rebound from the precipitous downturn that the industry endured for almost two years that ended in 2009. For most of last year coated freesheet volumes rose significantly as did prices, and these gains resulted in much improved mill economics. However, economic growth continues to be erratic which makes it difficult to gauge the strength of the recovery in paper demand this year and its sustainability. Modest overall growth in key areas such as retail spending continues, but it's offset by extremely slow recoveries in housing and employment. Cost input pressures - energy, fiber - also continue to pressure mill margins.