UWF paper prices to be raised in Poland

Woodfree uncoated paper manufacturers in Poland intend to put an end to the downward slide in prices over the past months and are now launching a new attempt to stabilise prices. Leading market players told EUWID that they had informed their customers of higher prices from 1 February. For instance, offset and copy paper should both cost 6% more on the domestic market. This was a "local, Polish matter" to offset exchange rate losses incurred last year due to the weak zloty. These plans are primarily linked to the exchange rate for manufacturers with mills outside Poland incurring costs in euros, as well as driven by cost issues. The outcome of these price negotiations should also provide indications about whether a Europe-wide price increase might be on the cards in the second quarter, insiders told EUWID.