Building on strength

Abstract

Paper stock markets continued their strong performance over the past several months of 1999. Demands for most grades was promising, with signals that the trend may continue this 2000. The price for many of the white grades, which have been soaring through most of the summer and into the fall, have stabilized. Strengthening pulp prices continued to pull up demand for their usual substitutes such as pulp substitutes and deinking grades. The office paper market was also seen of positive moves, helping the overall market condition for the grade. However, one paper segment that did not enjoy the strong upswing was the North American newsprint market. Paperboard, old corrugated and old newspapers continued to have steadiness in market.