A tough fight is in progress as buyers and sellers engage in talks to negotiate newsprint prices for the second quarter in Germany. Now that their order books have improved, producers became less willing to compromise because they had no leeway left to lower prices.
Newsprint suppliers have set their sights on keeping prices unchanged from the first quarter, while buyers are seeking price cuts.
In the case of containerboard, manufacturers are aiming to increase prices by another €20/t in the wake of much higher recovered fibre costs. This would bring the total hike to €80/t, as originally announced.
White-lined chipboard also became more expensive in April after carton makers attempted to either fend off or at least negotiate down the price increases in March. Unlined chipboard prices stayed the same although there are first announcements to increase prices. Folding boxboard prices remained stable too.
Please find the entire market report Germany in this week's issue.
