Manufacturers want to increase prices as of 1 July, meeting with resistance from buyers
Paper buyers mostly reacted with surprise at the plans of magazine paper manufacturers to hike prices for the second half of the year. The plans apply to coated as well as uncoated magazine and catalogue paper. Several announcements have been made for LWC. While printing companies think that the plans have only a slim chance for successful implementation, paper manufacturers expect that the proposal will make a mark even before the end of summer. According to market experts, at least the average price level should be raised.
Critics see the announcement simply as a strategy of the paper industry to stabilise prices ahead of the summer slump. It remains to be seen, to what extent other suppliers will follow and also announce price hikes. After all, most production sites are financially distressed.
