Jan 30 (Reuters) - International Paper ( IP ) posted a

surprise fourth-quarter loss and missed sales estimates on

Thursday due to slowing demand from clients, including consumer

goods and e-commerce companies, opting for cheaper alternatives.

Shares of the company fell nearly 2% in premarket trading.

The company's strategy of raising prices for its industrial

packaging offerings has impacted sales volumes, especially in

North America.

International Paper ( IP ) said the fourth-quarter profit was also

hit by the $215 million accelerated depreciation expense from

the closure of its pulp mill in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Its quarterly selling and administrative costs for the

quarter grew 46% to $521 million.

Peer Packaging Corp of America ( PKG ) also missed quarterly

profit estimates on Tuesday due to slowing demand and higher

operating costs.

For the fourth quarter, the company posted net sales of

$4.58 billion, below the average analyst estimate of $4.75

billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

On an adjusted basis, International Paper ( IP ) posted a loss of 2

cents per share, compared with expectations for a profit of 2

cents.

The Memphis, Tennessee-based company secured EU clearance

for its 5.8-billion-pound ($7.2 billion) acquisition of UK rival

DS Smith ( DITHF ) last Friday, after agreeing to sell assets to

address competition concerns.