While producers of uncoated woodfree papers are reporting growing downward pressure on prices, coated fine papers have become more expensive in April and May.
Stressing absolute necessity, manufacturers of coated woodfree paper have being calling for price increases in France, and have been successful in many cases. There were different price trends seen for sheets and reels in May, with coated reel papers seeing a somewhat lower price hike than coated sheets, EUWID sources say.
Given high pulp prices and other cost factors, manufacturers are under a lot of pressure to raise their sales prices. However, a few producers consider it just as important to have enough orders to maintain satisfactory capacity utilisation rates. Some paper makers are accusing their competitors of having made too many compromises on price increases in order to keep their machines running.
The general market condition in France is still shaped by a shrinking demand and overcapacity. In April, shipments of coated woodfree sheets were down by a high single-digit percentage against the same month last year, while the decline for coated woodfree reels was well into the double-digit range, it is learnt.
