GLG News by Titanium Dioxide Experts

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Bellweather UFS Shipments & Prices Decline In October

November 1, 2010

UFS, primarily cut-size copybond and offset printing paper, saw September shipments decline to 782,000, an average of 6% decline from August. Imports from Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia and China amounted to 681,000 an 11% increase from August. Buyers are exhibiting less and less brand loyalty. A decade ago UFS shipments totaled 1 million tons/month.Prices sagged $20/st. Envelope was an exception as buyers reported tight supplies and lean inventories. Thermal Imaging papers also were strong.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

GP Decides On Louisiana and Arkansas For Next Generation Premium Tissue Machines

October 27, 2010

GP had four choices: Port Hudson, LA, Crossett, Arkansas, Palatka, FL or the former Alabama River mill in Claiborne, AL. Port Hudson and Crossett were chosen - both are fully integrated mills. The new machines will be GP-developed premium facial tissue machines resembling the TAD concept. These machines will consume less energy, have increased output as well as greater softness and absorbency. The total cost of the project is $550 million

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Weak Dollar Motivates Koehler To Move Thermal Imaging Production To US

October 26, 2010

Thermal Imaging papers are growing at the rate of 6-7%/year. Koehler is Europe's biggest with 3 German papermills. They are #2 in N.A. after Appleton. Kanzaki is #3. They considered the shuttered Kimberly,WI mill then decided instead on an integrated mill in SC which could reduce their pulp costs. In 2008 this plan was postponed. Now the combination of transportation costs plus the weak dollar has motivated them to again consider this move - perhaps within the next few weeks.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

NBSK Market Pulp Prices Stabilize in October

October 25, 2010

Since July NBSK has fallen $70/admt to a list of $970/admt although spot prices are considerably below that. Inventories rose a total of 9 days of supply from July through Sept. but now have turned around and fallen 2 days to 32 from 34 days. Consequently two major producers said they do not intend any price reductions this month. Shipments of Softwood to Europe, North America and China are remaining quite robust while Hardwood is suffering a decline in China due to new domesticproduction

Paul HodgesChairmanInternational eChem

Chemical Company Outlook for 2011 -13

October 24, 2010

The chemical industry has had a good year, even though Operating Rates globally have remained sunk at 2003 levels. This may continue, but an additional element of uncertainty has been added by the recent outbreak of 'currency wars' between the West and the BRICs. A Scenario approach therefore seems sensible for investors, as they seek to forecast 2011 performance.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Pulp Prices Continue To Slide As Orders Sag

October 19, 2010

Traditionally the 3Q is the slowest of the year, the 4Q the best. Inventories have to be rebuilt after the summer shut downs. 2010 was no different except Chinese buyers decided to steeply draw down their inventories so they could stop buying and force pulp suppliers to drastically reduce prices (i.e. $100-200/admt). This plan didn't work. Prices did slide from a high of $1040/admt down to $990 and now, lately, to $970/admt. More pulp mills have had to drop to stay competitive.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Acetate Dissolving Market Pulp Is Booming!

October 19, 2010

China, Indonesia and India are leading the surge in demand for the acetate dissolving pulp from which rayon fabric is produced. Spot prices in the 2Q were at $1600/admt vs. a list of about $1150-1250/admt. In the 3Q list prices were raised to $1350/admt. Now rumor has it that producers will announce a whopping $200/admt price hike on January 1st to bring the list up to $1550.The former Canadian NBHK mill, Thurso, has restarted and is upgrading to dissolving pulp...and is already 75% sold.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Chinese Pulp Buyers Fail To Drive Down Prices

October 8, 2010

The 3Q is traditionally the slowest in the year since northern European paper mills go on holiday in July with southern European mills going on holiday in August. This significantly reduces global pulp demand. Having built up good inventories Chinese buyers joined to greatly reduce purchases in an effort to significantly reduce pulp prices. Purchases were down 39.3% last quarter. Only a few NBSK producers announced price reductions of $20/admt.Now the Chinese have again started buying.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

APP Thru IGIC Purchases Woodland, ME NBHK Mill

October 5, 2010

Asia Pulp & Paper, to feed its growing appetite for market pulp has had its subsidiary International Grand Investment Corp, purchase the 395,000mt/year NBHK at Woodland, ME (located directly on the coast) known for its high quality high maple hardwood, This follows IGIC's February purchase of the NBSK and UBK mill at Halsey, OR (also on the water). APP previously purchased the Canadian BCTMP mill at MeadowLake and the Harmac, BC NBSK mill formerly owned by P&T.

Dave HillmanIndependent ConsultantDave Hillman

Canfor Drops NBSK $20/admt In October

September 30, 2010

After a long period of price increases NBSK has dropped for the 2nd time.The first decline was $50/admt dropping the list to $990/admt, now this $20/admt will further reduce the list price to $970/admt for shipments delivered to N.A. customers.This was brought on by a rise in producer inventories of 5 days worldwide (World 20).None of the other NBSK producers have followed suit so far. It may be they all are more optimistic about the prospects of a 4Q upturn....which is traditional.

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