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The article reports that magazine publishers in the U.S. are up in arms after two major paper producers said they are planning price hikes. Publishers fear another price hikes like the ones they experience in 1994 and 1995 when list prices rose some 40 to 50 percent. Increases in paper prices can quickly wipe out gains in advertising and circulation revenue.

Focuses on United States publishers and catalogers' concern over paper shortages. Speculation of further price hikes; Paucity of the 40-pound coated groundwood paper; Comments from industry executives; Publishers' decision to increase advertisement prices; Anticipation of the second-class postage increase; Cause of the shortage.

The article focuses on the increasing price of newsprint in the United States. Skyrocketing newsprint prices have been blamed for everything from a hiring freeze at the newspaper "The Dallas Morning News," to a price hike for the Sunday edition of the newspaper "The New York Times." With no easing on the newsprint front, where costs are up by about 35 percent to 40 percent over a year ago, this year's price jumps ultimately may give newspaper publishers another strong shove toward the electronic media.

Presents rankings of the hottest brands in eight categories of paper products. Focus on James River Corp.; New products introduced by the company; Marketing of products; Includes sales and marketshare of the different brand consumer items of paper towels, toilet tissue, cooking and storage bags, and facial tissue; Other products.

The article reports on the stabilization of newsprint prices in the U.S. as of May 1996, with a likelihood to drop due to soft demand. Factors that could contribute to a soft newsprint market include conservation measures at newspapers such as reduced web width size and trimmed editorial news holes. Several new paper mills are also running or about to start operating in the Far East and Europe. Inventory levels are high and paper are being stored in warehouses. Other changes taking place worldwide are discussed.