Mills have the wind in their sails (at the moment), and cite the following factors for the increased prices::

• Solid order books leading to increased backlogs. Lead times are out 6-10 weeks depending on the grade.
• Reduced inventories
• Capacity reductions

Additionally, most mills are facing challenged business models and (for some) the loss of the Black Liquor Tax credit. Increased costs and a falling demand over the past few years have pushed change upon a over supplied industry.

2011 however, remains uncertain. With an eye on the US dollar, European producers could once again increase shipments to the US. The troubled US economy, as well as the recently proposed postal rate increase, will also play a major role in what happens to paper prices. With no increase in demand, mills will be challenged to continue to raise prices in 2011. If the economy rebounds and/or we see further shakeups (rationalization) in the paper marketplace, then we  could see additional attempts for further price increases.

Paper Suppliers and Market News

• Verso Paper Corp. Launches Mobile Version of Corporate Website
  From marketwatch.com
• AbitibiBowater posts a quarterly loss of $297 million
  From foresttalk.com
• Paper companies eye another serving of black liquor tax benefits
  From al.com
• Verso Paper Q2 loss wider than expected
  From reuters.com
• AbitibiBowater wants to borrow $1.35 billion to exit from bankruptcy protection
  From foresttalk.com
• Paper and pulp demand rebounds
  From mainebiz.com

Catalog, Magazine and Retail News

• Magazine Growth Sluggish Through 2014
  From foliomag.com
• No Cap Yet On Newsstand Well
  From foliomag.com
• Yankee Magazine's 75th Anniversary: Mr. Magazine Interviews Jamie Trowbridge
  From peninsuladailynews.com
• Discover Magazine sold to Kalmbach Publishing Co.
  From pubexec.com