SCA increases prices on publication paper

The EU has today released a report related to a Trade Barrier Regulation ("TBR") investigation launched following a complaint submitted by CEPI, the European association representing the paper industry. The report upheld the complaint finding that the measures imposed by Turkey on the imports of certain varieties of paper such as office paper, books, envelopes and paper used for direct mail marketing (otherwise known as uncoated wood free (“UWF”) paper) from the EU were inconsistent with both WTO and the EU-Turkey Customs Union rules. “CEPI takes pride in its strong commitment to free trade with its partners. The decision by the Turkish authorities to remove these unfair measures is applaudable; however this issue should never have been escalated in the first place. It is our expectation that the Turkish authorities stand by their obligations under the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement in the future” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at CEPI. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi provides an update on trading for the three months to 30 September 2024 (“Q3 2024”). Underlying EBITDA for the quarter was, as expected, lower than the previous quarter, at €223 million (Q2 2024: €351 million). This was primarily due to more planned maintenance shuts and a forestry fair value loss, which together resulted in a difference between the third quarter and second quarter of approximately €90 million. This was in addition to softer seasonal demand and higher input costs. Selling prices in Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging were higher when compared to the previous quarter due to the implementation of paper price increases earlier in the year. After a recovery in pricing at the start of the year, pulp and paper selling prices in Uncoated Fine Paper declined in the quarter. Andrew King, Chief Executive Officer, said: “While we are seeing the benefits from the increase in prices earlier this year across our key paper grades, trading conditions remain muted against the backdrop of an uncertain macroeconomic environment. In the fourth quarter there will be fewer planned maintenance shuts, and we expect the normal seasonal pick-up in demand.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced the closing of a transaction to acquire the 49 percent equity interest held by The New York Times Company in Donohue Malbaie Inc. for a cash purchase price in the amount of C$20 million. Resolute already owned 51 percent of the shares of Donohue Malbaie. Donohue Malbaie owns and operates a paper machine with an annual production capacity of 224,000 metric tons of newsprint in Clermont (Quebec). The Clermont operation, which employs 153 workers, also houses all the equipment that produces the thermomechanical pulp supplying the machine. With this transaction, Resolute becomes sole owner of the Clermont operation. Click Read More below for additional information.