NOREXECO launches China softwood and hardwood pulp futures based on Fastmarkets prices

NOREXECO ASA, the international pulp and paper exchange, launched two cash-settled China pulp futures contracts on June 1 based on Fastmarkets’ prices to meet growing demand for hedging in the international pulp market.

The contracts, one for softwood pulp and one for hardwood pulp, are settled against the monthly averages of Fastmarkets RISI’s NBSK CIF China assessment and Fastmarkets FOEX’ PIX China BHKP Net index. These prices reflect trade in the offshore contract market, where imported pulp is sold to traders and end users on a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) basis for delivery to main ports in China.

Pulp futures are designed to help market participants manage their exposure to price risk. NOREXECO already lists contracts for hardwood and softwood pulp delivered to Europe, as well as for recycled paper. These are also settled against Fastmarkets FOEX indices. In addition, NOREXECO has listed a Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) “mirror” contract on NBSK.

“The two new contracts enable anyone with exposure to pulp delivered to China to hedge out unwanted risk,” said Stein O. Larsen, chief executive officer at NOREXECO. “We can also announce that clearing and transaction routes for accessing the international NOREXECO market are opened for both Asian and international traders.  We are glad to have with us strong partners like StoneX and Freight Investor Services (FIS) to help bring market participants into the market.”

The market will set daily closing prices and make visible a transparent forward curve available for all market participants.

“These new contracts have real potential to become liquid between now and year’s end given the strong interest we’ve seen from stakeholders,” said Matt Graves, senior vice president at Fastmarkets.

NOREXECO is ensuring that Chinese companies can participate in trade via brokers and clearing houses by providing an easy access route.

For more information about the two new China contracts, please contact:

  • Stein Ole Larsen: +47 97588874, sol@norexeco.com
  • Anita Skjong, +47 41440097, as@norexeco.com
Case Study

Learn how to monitor packaging prices using cost and price indices and understand the underlying cost drivers, from material cost to labor, energy and more. Examples include cartonboard, liquid container and paper bag.

What to read next
Explore 2026 industry shifts as Brazil's protein boom and Mexico's evolving trade reshape pulp, paper, and packaging dynamics.
See how AI impacts the China pipe industry. Giants like Baosteel thrive, but high costs & data fears leave SMEs behind in this market shift.
MB-STE-0027 Steel cold-rolled coil domestic, exw Southern Europe, €/tonne was incorrectly published as €710-750 per tonne, now corrected to €730-750 per tonne. MB-STE-0031 Steel hot-dipped galvanized coil domestic, exw Southern Europe, €/tonne was incorrectly published as €700-730 per tonne, now corrected to €730-750 per tonne. MB-STE-0030 Steel hot-dipped galvanized coil domestic, exw Northern Europe, €/tonne was incorrectly published as €710-745 per […]
As the year draws to a close, GCC mills are strategically trimming containerboard inventories, anticipating a swift rebound in demand following New Year celebrations and the onset of Ramadan preparations.
Fastmarkets has corrected its AG-UCO-0010 Used cooking oil, cif Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp price, which was published incorrectly on December 15.
On Wednesday December 3, the EU unveiled its ReSourceEU Action Plan, providing new guidance on critical raw materials supply, with a renewed emphasis on defense and $3.5 billion in funding for the coming year.