More Mills Announce Price Hikes
Since last month’s report, several more mills announced April and May price increases, including Pixelle, Willamette Falls Paper, ND Paper, Norpac, Mohawk and Sappi. The increases range from 5-10% and affect most grades. The mills cite elevated input costs and unsustainable profitability levels for the increases. For details and questions about specific increases contact your Kodi Collective sales representative.
Global P&W Paper Demand Increase in January
Apparent world demand for printing-writing paper was up 1.8% year-over-year in January, marking the first growth in two years (EMGE). However, this growth compares to a double-digit decline a year earlier and was also attributed in part to buyers stocking up ahead of possible price increases. Most of the increase was generated in Western Europe which increased by 9.2%. January demand fell in North America by 10.1% but grew 1.4% in Big Asia (China/Japan/Korea) and 4.6% in the rest of the World.
International Paper Confirms Proposal to Acquire DS Smith
International Paper (IP) is in talks with London-based packaging giant DS Smith regarding an all-share takeover proposal valuing DS Smith at 5.72 billion pounds ($7.22 billion). The news could spark a bidding war as the offer price is higher than that of DS Smith's recently announced deal with competitor Mondi. On March 8, DS Smith and Mondi said they had agreed in principle to an all-share takeover valuing DS Smith at $6.37 billion. DS Smith is continuing discussions with Mondi on its offer. As of 4/4/24 IP confirms that significant progress has been made in reciprocal due diligence as facilitated by the DS Smith Board and Management. IP has until April 23 to either make a formal offer or walk away under U.K. Takeover Panel rules.
Willamette Falls Paper Company Launces Sonoma Book
Willamette Falls Paper Company (WFPC) announced the launch of its new Sonoma Book product line. Engineered specifically for book manufacturing and printing, Sonoma Book paper has a consistent caliper and PPI, and meets the SIMRA (State Instructional Material Review Association) compliance standards. Sonoma Book is produced in 45# and 50# basis weights for various applications, such as textbooks, educational materials, trade manuals, and guidebooks. Sonoma Book is also available as FSC- and SFI-certified and is offered in a range of 10%-30% Post-Consumer Waste (PCW).
Demand and Operating Rate Forecasts (RISI)
U.S. Economy and Paper End-Us Indicators
N.A. Coated Paper Demand and Shipments | N.A. P&W Paper Producer Inventories
