North American Paper Demand Up 3.9%
Demand for paper in North America increased 3.9 percent in the first 10 months of 2004 compared with the same period in 2003, according to The Pulp and Paper Products Council.Mill inventories in October stood at 2.2 million tons, the council said. That figure is 25,000 tons more than the inventory in September, but 220,000 tons less than inventory levels in October 2003.
Total shipments by paper producers fell by 1 percent in October 2004 versus October 2003, due largely to a decline in domestic shipments, though exports increased. Overall shipments for the first 10 months of 2004 are up 4.7 percent versus 2003.
