Pulp market faces price stand-off

Pulp market is facing a price stand-off as the suppliers are sticking to $30/tonne increase in pulp prices. The $7.76/tonne increase in FOEX index price for northern bleached softwood kraft in the week ending October 9, 2001 was the first indication of a phased increase in the price levels. The spot prices placed below the new pulp price levels is another sign of the difficulty that is likely to be faced by the suppliers in securing the increase in prices.