Q1 Paper Outlook — The Price Is Right

However, coated stocks aren't the only category of the market that is reporting weak demand. The paperboard market also experienced a difficult year, according to Marc Tannenbaum, vice president of marketing for Westvaco Packaging Resources Group.

Soft Market Continues

"In terms of general market conditions, they are pretty soft. Demand is slack, at best. It has been a pretty tough couple of months since September 11. We are really anticipating a market that is going to continue to be challenging with soft demand and readily available supply," he adds.