Producers plan to increase September sofwood kraft market pulp prices in Asia by $20/tonne

Exporters of northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp are gearing up to increase prices in Asia, with several producers plan to increase prices $20/tonne, effective from 1 September 2005. Producers including Tembec, Pope and Talbot, Mercer International, Western Pulp, Metsa-Botnia and NorskeCanada separately proposed $20/tonne increases on NBSK to China at $510/tonne, with some slating levels at $520-$530/tonne to other Asian markets. Buyers and sellers reported increased NBSK demand in China since the currency announcement, which effectively makes pulp about $10/tonne cheaper for buyers. Arauco proposed a $20/tonne increase on its radiata pine pulp.