Global cycle changes the rules for U.S. pulp and paper

Abstract

As in other industries, the fortunes of the U.S. pulp and paper industry are now closely tied to the global economy. The U.S. pulp and paper sector exhibits fairly steady production and growth trends, but its economic fortunes have become intertwined with the bglobal cyclec of supply and demand. Exposure to the global cycle has increased for the U.S. in recent decades with increased levels of U.S. product exports. One effect of this exposure in recent years is increased market volatility associated with trade-related adjustments in export demands and capacity utilization. Price volatility and sensitivity of profits to the global cycle are related to capital intensity and competitiveness in the pulp and paper sector. The recent economic downturn (the so called Asian decline) caused a number of significant bripple effectsc throughout the pulp and paper sector that are linked to the global cycle of supply and demand.

Keywords

Pulp and paper industry, Economic analysis, Supply balance, Timber trade, Market prices

Citation

Ince, Peter J. 1999. Global cycle changes the rules for U.S. pulp and paper. American papermaker. Vol. 81, no. 12 (1999).:p. 37-42 : ill.