As September has failed to live up to expectations, the companies in the fine paper segment in Germany are looking ahead to October. On the one hand, market players are expecting an improvement in the order situation and a general upturn in business. On the other hand, paper mills are considering a new attempt to raise prices.
Comparatively slack demand is still setting the tone on Germany’s woodfree coated and uncoated paper market in September. Sources are not very optimistic about October, either. Nevertheless, paper industry insiders feel that ordering by customers is increasing little by little. They think that business will pick up in the fourth quarter.
Administration proceedings of Inapa Deutschland and a potential price hike for fine paper are two hot topics on the fine paper market in Germany in September. Market players stressed that paper mills need to make up ground on prices. Manufacturers have already communicated plans to this effect in some cases or were preparing to do so. Since paper manufacturers did not have a chance to increase their prices in September, they have switched their sights to October. However, experts note that paper mills are approaching these plans on a highly case-by-case basis.
