The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) concluded two days of meetings on Sept. 5th with unanimous support from delegates representing U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports but reported significant
disagreements with employers over a new six-year contract. ILA President Harold Daggett emphasized the possibility of a strike starting on October 1, 2024, due to unresolved issues, including wages, healthcare, and a ban on automation. The ILA presented its Strike Mobilization Plan as negotiations remain at a standstill, with Daggett expressing concerns that the union may not reach an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) before the current contract expires in three weeks. Industry analysts warn that a strike would heavily impact container traffic.
In May 2024, UPM Communication Papers announced the permanent closure of its Hürth newsprint mill and the shutdown of one fine paper machine (PM 3) at the Nordland Papier mill in Dörpen, Germany. UPM cited declining graphic paper demand due to digitization, and significant overcapacity in the market as the key reasons. Following discussions with employee representatives, production at Hürth is set to end on August 31, 2024, while PM 3 at Nordland Papier will cease operations by the end of the year. These shutdowns will reduce annual capacity by 330,000 tonnes of newsprint and 280,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper.
The U.S. Postal Service has proposed temporary price increases for certain package services during the 2024 peak holiday season to cover extra handling costs. The changes, effective from October 6, 2024, to January 19, 2025, would apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage for both commercial and retail shipments. Increases range from $0.30 to $16.00, depending on weight and shipping zones. These adjustments are part of the Postal Service's Delivering for America 10-year plan to maintain a financially sustainable nationwide delivery network. The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed changes before they take effect.
Holmen announced that it will temporarily halt production on PM 52 at its Braviken mill in Sweden for four weeks during Q4 2024 to rebuild the machine, enabling it to produce fluting paper and a broader range of
heavier book paper. PM 53 will remain operational during this period. Despite the temporary stoppage, production capacity on PM 52, currently at 290,000 tonnes per year, will not change after the rebuild. Holmen has ensured that agreed product volumes will be met through preproduction and meticulous planning. PM 53, which produces publication and some packaging paper with a capacity of 310,000 tonnes per year, will continue as scheduled.