Demand for old corrugated containers and double-lined kraft corrugated cuttings is growing for southern US mills

Buyers opt for cheaper European recovered paper grades over more expensive US grades

The recycled pulp project is one of the many overseas investments by Chinese board producers to secure high-quality recycled fiber supply

China-affiliated producers bought small volumes of US OCC imports but uncertainty still looms over a price rebound

US old corrugated container (OCC) prices recently increased across most of North America

Low PfR stocks on both buying and selling sides drove mills to pay higher prices

Limited availability of RCP imports has not stopped the price drops as regional demand weakens

Low levels of OCC collection in US and Europe have triggered suppliers to search for price increases but resistance from Asian buyers remain strong

OCC price spikes that came with China’s covid-19 restriction removal have taken a turn as demand drops

China’s policy changes late last year triggered a drive for higher recovered paper prices, but contacts suggest the party is likely over