Softwood pulp prices in Europe continue to drop

Prices continued on a downward slope on the European pulp market in December and the trend is likely to continue. A lower demand in the last month of the year, confusion and uncertainty in the business climate, coupled with an inability and unwillingness on the part of pulp mills to undertake necessary production cuts are some of the reasons for the developments. While hardwood pulp producers are trying to increase their prices, market analysts are convinced that the downward trend will continue in the case of softwood pulp. Manufacturers say that NBSK prices are expected to drop further in December which will be similar to the one in November.