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Some US shoppers are buying large quantities of toilet paper due to concerns about potential disruptions caused by a port strike and increased demand in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Charmin toilet paper is currently out of stock for delivery at many Costco stores across the country, and other brands and paper towels are also sold out in some locations. Costco and other retailers are working to replenish their supplies and do not anticipate any major supply challenges. This surge in demand for toilet paper is reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic when people hoarded it out of fear of running out. The port strike, which began on October 1, is led by the International Longshoremen's Association, a union representing workers in major Eastern US and Gulf Coast ports. Some other retailers, such as Kroger and Walmart, have implemented temporary purchase limits on certain products, including toilet paper and paper towels. While some shortages have been observed, companies like Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble have stated that their ability to supply paper products has not been significantly impacted by the strike. [Extracted from the article]

Some US shoppers are buying large quantities of toilet paper due to concerns about potential disruptions caused by a port strike and increased demand in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Charmin toilet paper is currently out of stock for delivery at many Costco stores across the country, and other brands and paper towels are also sold out in some locations. Costco Wholesale Corp. has seen higher demand for everyday items, especially paper products, but does not anticipate any supply challenges due to the strike. The International Longshoremen's Association, a union representing port workers, went on strike on October 1, demanding higher pay and protections from automation. Other retailers such as Kroger, Walmart, and Target are also experiencing increased demand for toilet paper and paper towels in certain areas. Kimberly-Clark Corp., the maker of Scott toilet paper and Kleenex tissues, stated that the port strike is not currently affecting their ability to supply paper products. Procter & Gamble Co., the maker of Charmin, declined to comment. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's leading wood pulp exporter, is facing challenges due to a shift in Chinese paper companies' demand for producing their own pulp, impacting the demand for hardwood pulp. This shift, along with new supply from South America, is expected to lead to global production exceeding demand until 2028. Despite these challenges, Suzano remains optimistic about potential opportunities, with a focus on maintaining low production costs and exploring growth in the US packaging business through smaller acquisitions. The company's shares have seen a 25% increase in Brazil over the past year, and while plans for new plant investments are being questioned, Suzano is still considering future steps cautiously. [Extracted from the article]

US container ports along the East Coast are closed for a third day due to an expired labor contract between dockworkers, terminal operators, and shipping lines. As a result, numerous ships carrying various goods have been forced to anchor off the coast. In response to the port strike and concerns about potential disruptions, some US shoppers are stocking up on toilet paper, leading to shortages in certain locations. However, Costco, one of the affected retailers, assures customers that they do not anticipate any supply challenges and are working to replenish products quickly. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp., the owner of the Scott toilet paper brand, has revised its full-year organic sales forecast downward due to weaker-than-expected results. The company cited challenges such as changes in retail inventory levels, high interest rates, and increased shipping costs. Revenue fell in the third quarter, with slower organic sales growth reported. Competitor Procter & Gamble Co. also experienced a slight miss in organic sales growth for its latest quarter. [Extracted from the article]

The index compiler of Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average is expected to announce its periodic review soon, with analysts predicting that the blue-chip gauge will add Ryohin Keikaku Co. and remove Nippon Paper Industries Co. This is because the Nikkei lacks consumer names and Nippon Paper has low liquidity. The reshuffle and weighting changes may create about ¥100 billion ($683 million) in overall buying demand. Analysts also expect Nomura Research Institute Ltd. and Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. to join the gauge, while DIC Corp. and Mitsubishi Logistics Corp. may be dropped. The results of this review will be important for future changes to the index. [Extracted from the article]

Tests conducted by a UK-based consumer protection nonprofit found that three brands of toilet paper advertised as being made of bamboo actually contained mostly hardwood. The analysis revealed that toilet paper from Bumboo and Bazoo, which claimed to be "100% bamboo," contained only 2.7% and 26.1% bamboo, respectively. Naked Sprout, another bamboo toilet paper brand, had 4% bamboo. However, two other products, from the companies Who Gives a Crap and The Cheeky Panda, were found to contain 100% bamboo. The findings highlight the challenge of accurately labeling eco-friendly products and monitoring supply chains. The Forest Stewardship Council, which certifies supply chains, expressed concern and is investigating the matter. [Extracted from the article]

International Paper Co.'s CEO, Andrew Silvernail, traveled to London to reassure DS Smith Plc about their pending £5.8 billion merger deal, amid a takeover offer from Suzano SA. Silvernail met with Miles Roberts, the CEO of DS Smith, as well as key shareholders. Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, is working on a revised offer for International Paper after their initial proposal was rejected. A takeover by Suzano would create a major player in the pulp and paper industry. [Extracted from the article]

International Paper Co.'s CEO, Andrew Silvernail, traveled to London to reassure DS Smith Plc about their pending merger, amid a takeover offer from Suzano SA. Silvernail met with DS Smith's CEO, Miles Roberts, and key shareholders to reaffirm International Paper's commitment to the merger. Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, is working on a revised offer for International Paper after their initial proposal was rejected. A takeover by Suzano would create a major player in the pulp and paper industry. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has approached International Paper Co. about a potential all-cash offer to acquire the US company for nearly $15 billion. The bid of $42 per share would represent a 14% premium to International Paper's closing price on Monday. Suzano is in talks with potential lenders to finance the transaction, which would require International Paper to abandon its deal with DS Smith. The paper and packaging sector has been experiencing consolidation, and a bid for International Paper would be the latest attempt by a foreign company to acquire a US giant. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has approached International Paper Co. about a potential all-cash offer to acquire the US company for nearly $15 billion. The bid of $42 per share would represent a 14% premium to International Paper's closing price on Monday. Suzano is in talks with potential lenders to finance the transaction, which would require International Paper to abandon its deal with DS Smith. The paper and packaging sector has been experiencing consolidation, and a bid for International Paper would be the latest attempt by a foreign company to acquire a US giant. [Extracted from the article]

International Paper Co. has agreed to acquire DS Smith Plc for £5.8 billion ($7.2 billion), surpassing rival suitor Mondi Plc in the battle for the UK packaging company. The all-stock transaction will create a global leader in packaging, according to International Paper. The deal is expected to strengthen International Paper's position in Europe and the US, and the combined company will seek a secondary listing in London. The paper and packaging sector has seen consolidation trends post-Covid, and the industry experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic due to increased online shopping. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil's Suzano SA is considering making an offer to acquire Clearwater Paper Corp, as reported by Bloomberg. Clearwater Paper, based in Spokane, Washington, specializes in manufacturing pulp and paperboard products. Suzano, the largest supplier of hardwood market pulp in North America, has been expanding its presence in the US with recent acquisitions. No final deal has been reached yet, and both companies have declined to comment on the matter. [Extracted from the article]

In the UK, Metsä Tissue's main brand is Katrin, a paper towel and toilet roll brand used by corporate and professional clients. (Bloomberg) -- Finnish company Metsä Tissue is building a new paper mill in the Humber estuary of northeast England, in an investment worth hundreds of millions of pounds that will create 400 jobs. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has approached International Paper Co. about a potential all-cash offer to acquire the US company for nearly $15 billion. The bid of $42 per share would represent a 14% premium to International Paper's closing price on Monday. Suzano is in talks with potential lenders to finance the transaction, which would require International Paper to abandon its deal with DS Smith. The paper and packaging sector has been experiencing consolidation, and a bid for International Paper would be the latest attempt by a foreign company to acquire a US giant. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has approached International Paper Co. about a potential all-cash offer to acquire the US company for almost $15 billion. The bid of $42 a share would represent a 14% premium to International Paper's closing price on Monday. Suzano is in talks with potential lenders to finance the transaction, which would require International Paper to abandon its deal with DS Smith. The paper and packaging sector has been experiencing consolidation, and a bid for International Paper would be the latest attempt by a foreign company to acquire a US giant. [Extracted from the article]

DS Smith, a UK packaging company, is currently in talks with International Paper for a possible takeover, sparking a potential bidding war after Mondi agreed to buy DS Smith for £5.1 billion. International Paper is considering an offer of £5 billion or more for DS Smith. The paper and packaging sector has been consolidating, with Smurfit Kappa Group acquiring WestRock last year. The industry experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic but has since seen a decline as consumers returned to physical stores. DS Smith shareholders would receive 0.1285 shares in International Paper for each share they own, representing a value of 415 pence and a premium of 48%. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp., known for products like Scott toilet paper and Huggies diapers, exceeded sales expectations in the last quarter due to increased volume growth. The company's earnings reflect consumer willingness to pay more for higher-quality goods, such as new adult and baby care items. Kimberly-Clark plans to focus on its own brands by phasing out private-label businesses, which may impact sales temporarily. Procter & Gamble Co., another major player in the industry, also reported strong sales driven by higher volumes. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden's transition to a cashless society has made it a haven for digital criminals. Online fraud and digital crime have surged in the country, with criminals taking 1.2 billion kronor in 2023 through scams. Swedish authorities are working to tighten security measures and combat digital crime, but striking the right balance is challenging. The prevalence of BankID, a digital authorization system used by nearly all Swedish adults, has contributed to the country's vulnerability. The government is considering offering a state-issued digital ID to improve security. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian pulp company Suzano SA is considering taking on significant debt as it contemplates making a new bid for International Paper Co. Suzano could borrow up to $19 billion while maintaining a net debt for the combined company close to five times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This leverage level is within Suzano's previous reach since obtaining its investment grade rating in 2018. Suzano believes that a merger with International Paper would create a global powerhouse capable of generating enough cash to quickly reduce its debt-heavy balance sheet. However, the company has reassured investors that it will not make an offer that would jeopardize its investment grade rating. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian pulp company Suzano SA is considering taking on significant debt in order to make a new bid for International Paper Co. Suzano could borrow up to $19 billion while still maintaining a manageable debt level. The company believes that a merger with International Paper would create a global powerhouse that could generate enough cash to quickly reduce its debt. Suzano has reassured investors that it will not jeopardize its investment grade rating with any offer it makes. The company is also considering using stock and cash to help fund the bid. However, Suzano's acquisition plan faces challenges, including high borrowing costs and a declining stock value. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian pulp company Suzano SA is considering taking on significant debt in order to make a new bid for International Paper Co. Suzano could borrow up to $19 billion while still maintaining a manageable debt level. The company believes that a merger with International Paper would create a global powerhouse that could generate enough cash to quickly reduce its debt. However, Suzano has reassured investors that it will not make an offer that would jeopardize its investment grade rating. The acquisition plan faces challenges, including high borrowing costs and a declining stock value for Suzano. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil's Suzano SA is considering making an offer for Clearwater Paper Corp, as reported by Bloomberg. Clearwater, based in Spokane, Washington, produces pulp and paperboard products and has seen a decline in its shares this year. Suzano, the largest supplier of hardwood market pulp in North America, has been expanding its presence in the US with recent acquisitions. No final deal has been reached yet, and both companies have declined to comment on the matter. [Extracted from the article]

JBS SA, the world's largest meatpacker, recently entered the US commercial paper market by borrowing approximately $155 million in short-term debt. The issuance, facilitated by Citigroup Inc., Mizuho Financial Group Inc., and the Royal Bank of Canada, is part of a $1 billion program aimed at securing cheaper financing for the company. This move allows JBS to take advantage of floating interest rates and capitalize on the current profitability of its chicken business, while managing its existing long-term debt of around $18.96 billion. Commercial paper issuance in the US has been on the rise, driven by interest rate fluctuations and potential acquisition activities among non-financial institutions. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest producer of pulp, is in talks with Asian banks, including Mizuho Financial Group, Nomura Holdings Inc., and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, to secure financing for a potential bid to acquire US packaging giant International Paper Co. Suzano is considering a cash-and-stock offer for all of International Paper's assets. The funding arrangement would be similar to the one used for Suzano's acquisition of pulp rival Fibria SA in 2018. Suzano's interest in International Paper assets would allow the company to expand internationally and diversify its operations into the packaging sector. However, there are significant hurdles to overcome, including International Paper's pending agreement to acquire UK packaging rival DS Smith Plc and Suzano's existing debt burden. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp., the company behind brands like Kleenex and Scott toilet paper, has revised its full-year organic sales forecast downward due to weaker-than-expected results. The company cited challenges from changes in retail inventory levels, with stores reducing stocking levels amid high interest rates and shipping costs. This adjustment led to a 3.5% decline in revenue in the third quarter, with organic sales growth at its slowest rate in over three years. Procter & Gamble Co., a competitor in the paper products market, also reported organic sales growth that narrowly missed projections in its latest quarter. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average will be adding Ryohin Keikaku Co., the operator of the Muji retail chain, and Nomura Research Institute Ltd. to its index, while removing Nippon Paper Industries Co. and DIC Corp. The changes will take effect on October 1st and are aimed at adjusting the number of companies in their respective sectors. This rebalancing may impact the shares of the companies involved, as passive funds that track the index will buy or sell to reflect the changes. Ryohin Keikaku and Nomura Research Institute shares have both performed well this year, outperforming the broader Topix Index. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, a Brazilian company, has announced that it will no longer pursue the acquisition of International Paper Co., a US paper giant. This decision caused Suzano's shares to surge while International Paper's shares plunged. Suzano stated that it was unable to engage International Paper in serious negotiations and was not willing to increase its offer further. The termination of this pursuit removes a complication to International Paper's plan to acquire DS Smith Plc. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA has decided to end its pursuit of acquiring International Paper Co. after the latter rejected its offers in favor of a merger with another competitor. This decision caused International Paper's shares to fall by 12% in pre-market trading, while Suzano's US-listed shares rose by over 16%. The failed acquisition would have allowed Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, to expand internationally and diversify its operations. However, concerns were raised about Suzano taking on substantial debt for the deal, which could have affected its investment grade. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA has decided to end its pursuit of acquiring International Paper Co. after the latter rejected its offers in favor of its own merger plans with another company. Suzano stated that it was unable to engage International Paper in serious negotiations and was not willing to increase its offer further. This decision clears the way for International Paper's plan to acquire DS Smith Plc. A takeover would have allowed Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, to expand internationally and diversify its operations. [Extracted from the article]

Costs for pulp globally are climbing, and toilet paper makers including Kimberly-Clark Corp. have implemented price hikes in an effort to boost margins. (Bloomberg) -- Toilet paper prices are on the rise yet again, and the blame can be pinned on an unexpected culprit: the housing market slump. Canadian sawmill closures are tightening the pulp market for now, but the impact on prices will eventually be balanced by weaker consumption and more supply available from northern Europe, said Kevin Mason, of ERA Forest Products Research. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest producer of pulp, is in talks with Asian banks, including Mizuho Financial Group, Nomura Holdings Inc., and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, to secure financing for a potential bid to acquire US packaging giant International Paper Co. Suzano is considering a cash-and-stock offer for all of International Paper's assets. If successful, the acquisition would create a major player in the pulp and paper industry, expanding Suzano's operations into the packaging sector. However, Suzano faces challenges, including International Paper's pending agreement to acquire UK packaging rival DS Smith Plc and Suzano's existing debt burden. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has approached International Paper Co. with a potential all-cash offer of nearly $15 billion, according to Reuters. The bid, which was communicated verbally, may be submitted formally in the coming days. Suzano's proposal would require International Paper to abandon its deal with DS Smith, a UK packaging rival. The potential acquisition would allow Suzano to expand further into the packaging sector, and it would be the largest cross-border deal by a Brazilian company since 2007. The paper and packaging industry has experienced consolidation due to increased demand during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp., the company behind brands like Kleenex and Scott toilet paper, has revised its full-year sales forecast downwards due to lower-than-expected results. The company attributes this to reduced inventory levels at retail stores, influenced by factors such as high interest rates and shipping costs. Despite a 3.5% drop in revenue in the third quarter, Kimberly-Clark's stock has seen a 19% increase this year. Procter & Gamble Co., another major player in the industry, also reported a slight miss in organic sales growth for its latest quarter. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp. is considering options for its international tissue business in order to focus on more profitable areas. The company is working with advisers to review its tissue operations outside of North America, which could potentially result in a sale of part or all of the business. The business generates around $3.5 billion in annual sales and could be valued at approximately $4 billion. Kimberly-Clark sells various tissue products, including Kleenex tissues and Andrex toilet paper. The company has not made a final decision and could choose to retain the business. [Extracted from the article]

In Argentina's northern Jujuy province, local media reported gas stations suspending sales as customers attempted to load up on fuel before a possible devaluation. (Bloomberg) -- Some companies in Argentina are suspending sales ahead of the presidential election Sunday, fearing another major currency devaluation that would wipe out revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Turkish industrial and retail group Eren Holding AS has secured an €775 million ($854 million) loan to finance a $1.3 billion container-board and tissue plant in Wales. The loan was provided by a mix of international and Turkish banks, as well as credit export agencies. The new plant in Shotton will have the capacity to produce 750,000 tons of container-board and 67,000 tons of tissue paper annually. The project is expected to boost foreign direct investment in UK manufacturing and help reduce the country's container-board imports. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA has announced that it is no longer pursuing the acquisition of International Paper Co. International Paper rejected Suzano's offers and instead opted for its own merger plans with another competitor. Suzano was unable to engage International Paper in serious discussions and decided not to increase its offer. This decision clears the way for International Paper's plan to acquire DS Smith Plc, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, had considered taking on significant debt for the deal. [Extracted from the article]

Suzano SA, the world's largest pulp producer, has confirmed its interest in acquiring the assets of US packaging giant International Paper Co. However, no agreement has been made yet. Suzano's stock has dropped since news of the potential deal, and the company's investors have expressed concern. A deal with International Paper would allow Suzano to expand internationally and diversify its operations into the packaging sector. [Extracted from the article]

International Paper Co. has agreed to acquire DS Smith Plc for £5.8 billion ($7.2 billion), surpassing rival suitor Mondi Plc in the battle for the UK packaging company. The all-stock deal will create a global leader in packaging, with International Paper paying 0.1285 new shares of its stock for each DS Smith share. Upon completion, International Paper shareholders will own approximately 66% of the combined company, which will seek a secondary listing in London. This acquisition is part of a post-Covid consolidation trend in the paper and packaging sector, which experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic due to increased online shopping. DS Smith is one of the world's largest cardboard box makers and produces packaging for various products. [Extracted from the article]

The industry disputes the NRDC's findings, with some big brands saying that their products are already green because they come from woodlands managed sustainably, and that they plant trees to replace the ones being cut down for toilet paper. The U.S. toilet paper industry revolves around softness, with giant brands engaging in a decades-long marketing battle over touch and feel. (Bloomberg) -- Early in the pandemic, toilet paper shortages pushed weary Americans to the fringes. [Extracted from the article]

Pulp prices have already risen around 45% this year as the cost for the energy-intensive process of churning wood chips into cellulosic mash has soared. Toilet-paper maker Metsa Tissue warned further curtailments are likely, while in Sweden, Essity AB said it's raising prices and implementing energy surcharges. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp. is considering selling its international tissue business, attracting interest from companies like Royal Golden Eagle Pte, Suzano SA, and Asia Pulp & Paper Co. The unit could be valued at around $4 billion, with discussions ongoing but no guarantee of a transaction. Kimberly-Clark previously announced a reorganization of its overseas consumer tissue and professional tissue businesses, generating approximately $3.5 billion in annual sales. The company's 2024 results are set to be announced on Jan. 28, following a decrease in full-year organic sales forecast. [Extracted from the article]

Kimberly-Clark Corp. is considering selling its international tissue business, attracting interest from companies like Royal Golden Eagle Pte, Suzano SA, and Asia Pulp & Paper Co. The unit could be valued at around $4 billion, but discussions are ongoing and may not result in a transaction. Kimberly-Clark previously announced plans to reorganize its overseas consumer tissue and professional tissue businesses under a new division called International Family Care & Professional. [Extracted from the article]

Shanghai tourism officials are optimistic about hosting a Taylor Swift concert this year after preliminary talks with the singer's team, according to a report by The Paper. The potential concert could be a significant economic boost, especially as China aims to stimulate consumption amid looming US tariffs. Swift has had success in China before, with her 2014 tour stop in Shanghai selling out within a minute. Additionally, the Legoland Shanghai Resort is set to open in May, with the possibility of Harry Potter and Peppa Pig theme parks also coming to the city. [Extracted from the article]

Shanghai is in talks with Taylor Swift's team to potentially host a concert in the city this year, according to a report by The Paper. The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism expressed optimism about the possibility of a show, which could be a significant economic boost for the city. Taylor Swift has a history of successful concerts in China, with her 2014 tour stop in Shanghai selling out within one minute. [Extracted from the article]

Traders have seen a paper gain of over $138 million on bullish options in levered China ETFs following signals of stronger economic support from Beijing. The options were focused on Direxion Daily FTSE China Bull 3x Shares (YINN) and Direxion Daily CSI 300 China A Shares Bull 2x Shares (CHAU). The surge in Chinese stocks was attributed to President Xi Jinping's decision to adopt a "moderately loose" monetary policy in 2025, leading to increased interest-rate cuts and a shift in economic strategy. The trades, which were larger than usual for these ETFs, suggest a bet on continued stimulus well into 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Traders have seen a paper gain of over $138 million in levered China ETFs after purchasing bullish options following signals of increased economic support from Beijing. The options were focused on two ETFs, YINN and CHAU, with a combined market capitalization of $2.5 billion. The surge in Chinese stocks was attributed to President Xi Jinping's decision to adopt a "moderately loose" monetary policy in 2025, leading to gains of 16% for CHAU and 29% for YINN. The trades were notable for their size and the longer-term options purchased, indicating a belief in sustained stimulus measures throughout 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Costco Wholesale Corp. is transitioning to a new manufacturer, First Quality, for its Kirkland Signature brand of diapers, replacing Kimberly-Clark Corp. This change is part of Kimberly-Clark's strategy to focus on higher-margin premium products under its own brand names. First Quality, known for Cuties diapers, has not disclosed its arrangement with Costco, but has increased diaper production capacity in Georgia. Costco anticipates increased sales of Kirkland-branded items, which offer good value compared to national brands, and consumers may notice changes in the diaper fit with the new supplier. [Extracted from the article]

An academic team led by researchers at the University of Florida concluded that the bathroom staple might be a source of PFAS entering wastewater treatment systems. "PFAS are ubiquitous in so many consumer products", said Jake Thompson, the study's lead author and a PhD student in environmental engineering at the University of Florida. [Extracted from the article]