Although producers of newsprint are still unable to fully book their paper machines, they are seeing early signals suggesting a stabilisation of the market.
Demand in August is not weaker than in July and the spot market has calmed down somewhat, respondents told EUWID. Incoming orders have picked up slightly. According to several paper industry representatives, there are growing signs that capacity utilisation is gradually improving.
Publishing houses and commercial printers have used up their paper inventories and are starting to order more again with contract volumes rising, EUWID respondents confirm.
The recent price trend is also contributing to the general stabilisation, say several market experts.
Paper manufacturers stressed that prices had gone as low as possible and they were unable to make any further concessions without sliding into the red. Buyers confirm that there was no indication from suppliers in the most recent talks that further price reductions might be possible in the current year.
Read the full report in this week's issue, which will be available as e-paper from 16 August.
