Woodfree coated paper manufacturers are mostly satisfied with the UK market. Their prices in May have not changed compared to April, but they benefited from a weak euro. However, there are efforts to push through price increases.
Manufacturers are presently seeking to charge more for woodfree coated paper throughout Europe. However, sellers in the UK are still very confident and relatively pleased with current prices whereas higher prices are bitterly needed in other countries. Manufacturers are reaping the rewards of the weak euro.
While one producer stressed to EUWID that increases would definitely reach British shores as well, others remarked that the UK was towards the bottom of their list and that they planned to raise a few of the lowest prices at most.
Market experts judge suppliers' chances of success as relatively slim given that the low-demand summer months are just around the corner. Moreover, not all major manufacturers would support higher prices in the UK, sources said.
⇒ This article in an excerpt from EUWID's monthly report on the UK paper market. The Price Watch UK for May will be published in EUWID Pulp and Paper no. 21 on 23 May.
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