In April, demand for pulp remained strong. NBSK pulp supplies are even tight with stable prices while BEK prices softened.
The exceptionally brisk demand for pulp continued during the month of April. Both softwood and hardwood pulp manufacturers say they have "excellent bookings".
Prices for eucalyptus pulp remained under pressure nevertheless, as had already been the case in the preceding months, and lost some ground again in April.
The industry was surprised by a southern European manufacturer's mid-April announcement of raising his price with retroactive effect from the beginning of the month. The manufacturer justified this measure with "the delayed volumes from new facilities in South America and the current stocks on the European markets."
The market for northern bleached softwood kraft pulp is still being described as tight. It seems no volumes are available outside the existing contracts. Prices being quoted in April are on par with those of last month.
