Paper Outlook

Market conditions are ripe for a price increase, Sutton believes. SC-A prices are already on the way up, with the April increase of $40/ton expected to be implemented fully by July 1st. In addition, the market can expect a second increase in the third or fourth quarter, he says.

Providing further evidence were the $60/ton increases, to be effective June 1st, announced by several makers of coated free sheet and coated mechanical grades, the analyst adds.