PPPC Reports 2012 Coated & SC Shipments

The Pulp and Products Council reported North American coated mechanical shipments fell -4.1% in 2012 as compared to the previous year.  Demand declined by -2.3%, imports were up +12.2% and the operating rate was 94%.  Coated woodfree shipments for 2012 decreased -3.9%, demand was down -4.7% and imports fell -7.4%.  The operating rate was 88%.  SC-A/SC-A+ paper shipments declined -20.4% for the year.  Demand decreased by -20.5% and imports fell -20.8%.  The operating rate for Supercalendered paper (including both SC-A, SC-B and SNC grades) was 93%.