but without the upward pressure from old corrugated con- tainer (OCC) costs, which continued to slide in December,” Fastmarkets announced in a published report. “The January price increase proposal thus represents an important test for producers’ ability to raise prices, which fell behind the pace of overall inflation in 2023, in the absence of traditionally supportive market conditions. After the $60-per-ton January increase projected in the baseline forecast, we expect prices to stabilize over the rest of 2025.” Though the US does not import very much contain- erboard, Fastmarkets analysts say the Trump administra- tion’s stance and policies on tariffs could have a major impact on global demand, recycled fiber, currencies, and domestic industry. Board Converting News , however, will await anony- mous responses from North American converters about the prices they have paid for linerboard before changing the pricing in its chart. This has always been the publication’s practice and it should be noted the average prices published are intend- ed for reference only. They do not connote any commit- ment to sell any material at the indicated average. Trans- actions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by a seller and buyer. Box makers who wish to report the prices they have paid can contact Len Prazych at lprazych@nvpublications. com or (518) 366-9017.
AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION
Analysts Expect ‘Traction’ For Recent Price Increases
Despite soft market conditions, Fastmarkets analysts are expecting “substantial traction” for containerboard price increases after all five of the top US containerboard and corrugated producers announced a January price in- crease of $60 to $70 per ton for linerboard. “With overall demand still weak and operating rates still tepid, we view the announced price increase as driven primarily by producers’ focus on margin improvement — similar to the cost-driven price rises that occurred in 2024
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www.boardconvertingnews.com
January 20, 2025
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