Overall Paper Prices Continue in Free Fall

December continues to witness paper prices declining. Examples include $10-15/ton in newsprint, $5-15/ton for uncoated papers (freesheet), $25-70/ton in coated papers, and $10-20/ton in containerboard. Shipments and demand are very weak which continue to place strong downward pressure on prices. Look for additional downtime and possibly more consolidation and machine closures.