Manufacturers' plans to raise prices for coated woodfree paper on the German market are not proving to be successful. Some market experts even say that price pressure is increasing.
Suppliers of woodfree coated paper are having a difficult time implementing the price increase they wanted to introduce as of 1 July. On the one hand, not every producer was on board. On the other hand, a price hike scheduled for shortly before or during the summer holidays is considered hopeless. Buyers in Germany cannot comprehend the plans given the excellent availability of coated woodfree paper. Furthermore, they complain that the announcement was made at very short notice. While they definitely do see the need for improved margins, the buyers note the same is necessary for all players in the supply chain.
Recent impressions have been that prices are sliding slightly. Although a number of producers continue to stress their determination, in light of the prevalent cost pressure, to push through the price increase using any means necessary, it seems that some of the springtime price correction has already crumbled again. Market watchers believe that price changes will not be possible until 1 September at the earliest and anticipate difficult summer months.
