Lower prices in southern Europe and the start-up of PM in Varkaus are leaving its mark on Germany's brown kraftliner market.
Suppliers and buyers in Germany are currently discussing the possibility of discounts for unbleached kraftliner. Manufacturers noted that these calls for lower prices were not the result of slow demand but were rather fueled by the price movement in Spain and Italy and by prospects of additional capacity coming online soon. Ordering was described as quiet but stable and at a normal level for this time of year.
So far, the impact of Stora Enso's kraftliner machine in Varkaus on the market in Germany has been limited. Trial deliveries are being ordered by customers to test the new paper on their machines, industry insiders explained. Therefore, the new capacities are not yet really available on the market, but will be in the foreseeable future.
