At the start of the new year, prices in several segments of the French paper and board market were renegotiated, resulting in lower prices in many cases.
Producers perceived demand as being weak to very weak across the board, for publication, fine paper, containerboard as well as cartonboard alike. Inventory depletion by buyers in many market segments could last until March at the latest, market players report.
Publication paper producers partly reduced prices in January against the backdrop of poor order inflow and somewhat moderated energy costs. Especially peak prices have disappeared from the market as a consequence. Prices of woodfree coated and uncoated paper often remained unchanged but negotiations indicate that prices may fall in February. Several low-priced offers could be found on the market in January. Containerboard prices continued to recede in January, in the case of recycled qualities from the middle of the month. In the case of folding boxboard, the remain instances of energy surcharges were lifted in January. Especially white-lined chipboard prices stood under pressure, often resulting in lower overall prices.
Please find the full market report in this week's issue, to be published on Wednesday 1 February.