The manufacturing sector expanded in January for the first time in a year, with the Institute for Supply Management’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index reaching its highest point since February 2022.  ISM’s index registered 52.6% last month, up 4.7 percentage points from December, which was the lowest manufacturing activity point in 2025. A PMI index below 50% indicates an industry in contraction. Only 20% of the manufacturing sector is in contraction, compared to 85% in December. Printing and related support activities are in the growth category.

Total European shipments of graphic papers for July 2022 were down 12.0% vs. July 2021 and were down 10.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint for July 2022 were down 11.0% vs. July 2021 and were down 7.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine for July 2022 were down 27.5% vs. July 2021 and were down 13.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels for July 2022 were down 14.8% vs. July 2021 and were down 20.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) for July 2022 were down 19.7% vs. July 2021 and were down 13.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree for July 2022 were down 5.7% vs. July 2021 and were down 0.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree for July 2022 were down 5.8% vs. July 2021 and were down 11.0% year-to-date.

We are announcing a US$70/MT (45 gsm) newsprint price increase to be phased in over two months. The price will increase by US35/MT (45 gsm) effective with shipments on or after April 1, 2018 and a second US$35/MT (45 gsm) will be implemented on shipments on or after May 1, 2018. The transaction price for all other basis weights and other Uncoated Groundwood products (Krubook and Krubrite) will be adjusted accordingly.