AbitibiBowater is contacting customers by phone today and informing them that the two $25/tonne price increases scheduled for January and February will be replaced by a $50/tonne increase on March 1. The implication is that this two month delay will give the west a chance to catch up with pricing in the east, and keep eastern customers from being disadvantaged. It does not appear that the company will be issuing a price increase announcement or press release to this effect.
In conversations with customers, AbitibiBowater is expressing optimism in order entry patterns, especially regarding international business.
The Reel Time position on prospects for higher newsprint pricing has not changed.
Paper and Other Absolute Truths 