This week, the SCI imported wood pulp price index inched went flat. As of December 19, the price index closed at 1,132, flat WoW but down 4% YoY.
The imported wood pulp spot market trends still varied amidst essential purchases. Factors affecting the pulp market were as follows. First, the BSK futures market went down slightly, but spot sellers were reluctant to lower prices considering cost pressure, so the spot price only saw mild decreases. Second, HWP sellers raised prices considering operating losses, spot purchases of some major paper producers in preparation for holiday consumption and anticipated supply tightening due to overseas turnarounds in Q1 2025. Third, the market availability of imported UKP was low, and spot sellers continued to raise prices, but sales of high-priced resources were sparse. Fourth, the supply and demand of imported CMP were both weak, and the market price continued to edge down. Last, downstream paper mills strived to improve profitability and continuously attempted to press down pulp prices.
According to SCI, as of December 19, the weekly average SWP price was RMB 6,255/mt, down 0.13% WoW, and the HWP price was RMB 4,399/mt, down 0.25% WoW. The weekly average UKP price was RMB 5,747/mt, up 0.77% WoW, and that of CMP was RMB 3,653/mt, down 0.14% WoW.