BIR releases latest World Mirror on Recovered Paper

BRUSSELS (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has released the World Paper Mirror for October 2014. The report notes that Asian demand weakened further during the quarter. The import volumes and prices declined sharply during the period. The demand from China fell sharply on account of huge stock holding by mills.

The OCC prices saw further declines from the levels of over $180per tonne during the beginning of the quarter. However, mixed papers, after testing lower levels, held on to levels of $160-above during the quarter.

The persisting weak demand from China and the increased availability of fibre led to softening export prices in the UK. The mills are reported to have adequate stocks of fibre. The market is in anticipation of Smurfit Kappa Snodland coming back into production. The increased demand from China has helped to significant price rise in SOW.

The temporary shutdown of Palm plant in Germany has led to severe supply shortage in some parts of the country. Sorted coloured office paper and multigrade witnessed significant rise in demand and prices in France. The closure of one of its mills by Kartonsan for maintenance works have dampened overall paper demand in Turkey. However, the fibre orders have started signs of rebound during late-September.

The 2.5% decline in collection volumes has affected stock levels in Czech Republic. The domestic consumption of recovered paper dropped 9%, whereas fibre exports climbed higher by 2.5%.

The Finnish market remained flat and stable. Sweden reported increased demand for OCC. The collection volumes also increased considerably. Fibre exports by Italy dropped, while collection rates of recovered paper saw sharp cut.

The exports of corrugated paper from the US to China have dropped by 5% during the initial seven-month period. The exports of pulp substitutes plunged by 24% during this period. On the other hand, US mixed paper and newsprint saw increased demand from China. The overall exports by the US to India registered 12% growth during January to July this year.