1st Quarter Paper Outlook

"I think they'll get their increase, but due to competition, there will be backsliding."

Tightening, shortage or stockout problems seem unlikely for the present. Additionally, a stay in the implementation of a postal increase should keep postal rates at bay for at least the first half of 1998.

Disparities Abound
Fairly consistent paper pricing in recent months has given way to inconsistent pricing among printers—a factor that Janis warns should be of importance to print buyers (see MSPGA Internal Paper Analysis, above).