New Brunswick Pulp Mill Idling Puts Regional Exports in Jeopardy

Paper Recycling  |  2026-10-08 09:17:53   |   By

AV Group Nackawic’s planned idling is expected to reduce container traffic through Port Saint John, where the pulp mill accounts for roughly 8% to 10% of containerized traffic and as much as 15% to 20% of export containers. The port says it does not anticipate layoffs.

Summary
  • Pulp mill idling to hit port traffic
    AV Group’s Nackawic mill accounts for around 8%–10% of Port Saint John’s container traffic and up to 15%–20% of export containers. The planned shutdown is therefore expected to reduce cargo volumes.
  • Port does not expect layoffs
    Despite the anticipated decline in pulp-related shipments, Port Saint John does not currently foresee job cuts. Potash exports, liquid bulk operations and cruise activity remain strong, while the port looks for additional cargo opportunities.
  • Union pushes to protect the mill
    Unifor Local 219 is calling for the facility to remain heated through the winter to avoid damage while potential investors or other options are explored. The union is continuing discussions with provincial authorities over the mill’s future.

Nackawic Mill Idling to Reduce Port Saint John Container Traffic

AV Group Nackawic accounts for roughly 8% to 10% of Port Saint John’s containerized traffic and as much as 15% to 20% of export containers, making the planned mill idling a significant loss of export cargo for the port.

By Paul Ploumis
Published October 8, 2026

Key Points

  • AV Group Nackawic represents roughly 8% to 10% of Port Saint John’s containerized traffic and as much as 15% to 20% of export containers.
  • The pulp mill is expected to temporarily idle by the end of October because of difficult market conditions and broader economic pressures.
  • The facility employs about 350 workers, including 228 represented by Unifor Local 219.
  • Port Saint John does not expect layoffs and is pursuing new cargo opportunities as other port activities remain strong.
  • Unifor wants the mill kept heated through the winter to protect the facility while future investment options are explored.

Port Saint John Braces for Lower Container Volumes

MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The planned idling of the AV Group Nackawic pulp mill is beginning to affect businesses beyond the facility, with Port Saint John anticipating a significant reduction in container traffic.

Port Saint John CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks said the mill accounts for roughly 8% to 10% of the port’s containerized traffic and as much as 15% to 20% of export containers. Forestry products from the mill move through the port to overseas markets, including South America.

Mill Idling Affects 350 Workers as Port Seeks New Cargo

AV Group NB announced in September that the Nackawic mill would temporarily idle by the end of October because of difficult market conditions and broader economic pressures. The facility employs about 350 workers, including 228 represented by Unifor Local 219.

Despite the expected loss of container business, Port Saint John does not anticipate layoffs due to the mill idling. Other activities, including potash exports, liquid bulk operations and cruise traffic, remain strong. The port is also seeking new cargo opportunities with container lines and New Brunswick businesses.

Meanwhile, the union has called for measures to preserve the mill. Unifor Local 219 President Grant Charlton said keeping the facility heated during winter could help prevent damage while options for a future investor are explored. The union continues to work with provincial authorities on next steps as the mill prepares to shut down.

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