CEPIPRINT, the Association of European Publication Paper Producers, issues today its monthly summary of European (Western + Eastern) mechanical paper statistics.

In April, European demand for Newsprint edged up 2.5% (18,000 tonnes) compared to the same period last year. However, total shipments were down 2.5% (22,000 tonnes) due to a drop in exports of the grade. Shipments overseas fell 32.5% (53,000 tonnes) last month, partly due to a slump in exports to the Far East.

In the SC-magazine paper sector, exports climbed 21.9% (13,000 tonnes) in April. The rise in shipments overseas helped to offset the flat level of shipments to Europe, which fell just 0.5% (1,000 tonnes) compared to the year-earlier period.

There was a similar picture in the Coated Mechanical Reels sector last month, with exports of the grade rising 38.3% (41,000 tonnes). Shipments to Europe were down 1.1% (5,000 tonnes), but thanks to the boost from exports in April, the level of total shipments of CMR was up 5.5% (35,000 tonnes).

Looking at Uncoated Mechanical, European demand sat level on 182,000 tonnes last month against April 2010. Shipments overseas were down 2.5%, but this only represented a drop of 1,000 tonnes. As a result of the flat development, Total European shipments of the grade remained unchanged at 218,000 tonnes last month.