Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. The lumber trade in Europe has also picked up in 2017 with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Spain having increased imports the most so far in 2017. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa, also known as the MENA countries, have sharply reduced consumption of lumber this year, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). In the first eight months of 2017, Egypt and Algeria (the two biggest lumber consumers in the region) have decreased their imports by 24% and 39% respectively as compared to the first eight months of 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased five percent in July compared to July 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased nine percent in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) when compared to June 2021. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased seven percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to June 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up four percent and 18 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July increased three percent compared to last July while the inventory level increased two percent compared to June 2021. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 32 percent and 53 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments increased 16 percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to June 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 60 percent and 31 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July increased 28 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 61 percent and 180 percent respectively.

Label and Graphic Materials Segment: • Reported sales increased 11.8 percent. Sales ex. currency increased 4.2 percent; on an organic basis, sales grew 3.6 percent. Sales on an organic basis increased mid-single digits in Label and Packaging Materials and increased low-single digits in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. • Reported operating margin decreased 30 basis points to 12.3 percent, reflecting the impact of restructuring actions. Adjusted operating margin increased 20 basis points to 13.0 percent as the benefits of increased volume and productivity more than offset higher employee-related costs and the net impact of pricing and raw material costs. Click Read More below for additional information.