The SCI wood pulp price index rose this week. As of May 15, the index closed at 1,094, up 17 WoW but down 14% YoY.
The imported wood pulp spot market trends varied amidst essential purchases. Factors affecting the wood pulp spot market were as follows. First, the market sentiment started to repair after the joint statement on tariffs between China and the US on May 12, and the futures market rebounded continuously. Spot sellers raised offers accordingly, sending the SWP price into an uptrend. Second, the imported HWP spot prices were also raised backed by better macro expectations. However, downstream purchase interest weakened somewhat after price rises, and the market trading dropped slightly. Third, the UKP market demand was still sluggish, and prices were lowered in some regions. Last, imported CMP supply was ample, and sellers held stable offers, but transactions for high-priced resources were limited.
SCI data shows that as of May 15, the weekly average price of imported SWP was RMB 6,028/mt, up 1.14% WoW, and the price of imported HWP averaged RMB 4,213/mt, up 0.91% WoW. The weekly average price of imported UKP was RMB 5,420/mt, down 0.61% WoW, while that of CMP was RMB 3,842/mt, flat WoW.