Unbleached kraftliner prices in Italy defy the downward trend in the packaging paper sector. Suppliers were able to implement prices hikes in June thanks to limited supply on the market.
Unlike recycled containerboard prices, prices for European unbleached kraftliner are pointing higher at present. The successful outcome to this latest round of price talks had less to do with brisk demand and more to do with limited supply, EUWID sources agreed. Assocarta statistics for the first quarter of 2012 revealed that some 20% less US kraftliner arrived in Italian ports in the first quarter of 2012 than in the same time frame last year. What is more, suppliers were able to derive an advantage from Peterson's insolvency when holding talks with smaller customers.
Looking ahead to the summer, suppliers do not expect brown kraftliner to cost any more in Italy. Suppliers also discarded the risk of a rapid turnaround in the market and the associated drop in prices, as seen in the recycled corrugated case material business.
⇒ This article in an excerpt from EUWID's monthly report on the Italian paper market. The EUWID Price Watch Italy for June will be published in EUWID Pulp and Paper no. 27 on 4 July.
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