Recent statistics show that paper stock exports improved over the first half of this year, compared to figures the same time last year.
According to the U.S. Commerce Department, the export of recovered fiber in July reached around 872,000 tons, pushing the annual rate, year to date, to slightly more than 11 million tons, a 3.8 percent improvement from figures the same time last year.
The strength in exports continues to be driven by strong demand into China throughout the year.
While the overall exports improved, some of the strength was due to overseas mills looking to build up inventory in anticipation of labor problems that could crop up on the West Coast. In fact, a lockout by the Pacific Maritime Association, the owner operators of ports on the West Coast, took place earlier this month, although a federal decree has reopened the ports. (to read more about status of the labor situation click here).
Along with the improvement in shipments to China, the export of recovered fiber to Canada has been improving. On an annual rate, exports of recovered fiber from the United States to Canada are up a strong 6.1 percent this year, helping to propel this end market to around 2.4 million tons.