Pulp markets saw some activity in the first week of August as fresh offers for hardwood pulp were heard at US$860-870 a ton, while that for softwood pulp absent. Downstream viscose producers were cautious to accept high offers, so discussions remained stalemated.

In China, dissolving pulp prices moved up and suppliers still tended to raise offers on limited supplies. The prices were up US$10 a ton from last week. Sentiment was firm in imported dissolving pulp market. It is expected that offers for softwood pulp and Asia-origin hardwood pulp will be released in coming week.

Cotton pulp prices were largely stable in China, but are likely to climb pulled by dissolving pulp movement. Offers for filament-grade linter were up US$15 a ton while staple-grade linter was in sparse supply with stable prices.

Courtesy: Weekly PriceWatch Report