Manufacturers are offering rebates and price concessions to spur demand in the summer months.
Despite demand picking-up slightly in July, the general situation on the French market for woodfree uncoated paper remains weak. The competition among suppliers is said to be fierce and there was strong downward pressure on prices. EUWID sources reported about a growing number of spot offers and summer discounts being granted frequently.
Paper buyers are said to have fairly low inventory levels, which some producers are seeing as a sign of hope for the autumn. Some of them wish that seasonal consumption impetus in September and October will coincide with a period of inventory restocking, which would considerably boost demand and stabilise prices.
The demand situation for woodfree coated paper in July was summarised as "better, but not good". In this market environment it was impossible for paper manufacturers to implement the price increase announced for July. In fact, there were even reports about prices starting to crumble again. According to EUWID respondents, the summer discount season has started in July and will very likely continue at least until the end of August.
