Recycled cartonboard producers are experiencing low capacity utilisation in late August; demand for seasonal products good.
German market for GD board fared somewhat better at the end of August than it did 1-2 months ago, however, producers were still experiencing a seasonally low capacity utilisation. Delivery times had reportedly increased to three weeks time, but it was still possible to place a few last-minute orders. Demand was good for a few seasonal products, while “normal activity levels for the summer holiday season” were being seen in all other areas, EUWID respondents said. Companies were expecting the order activity to stabilise further once the holiday season was over.
Not all GD board producers had been able to implement and maintain the price increase introduced in early July. However, the lowest prices had reportedly disappeared from the market as a result of the hike. Some converters explained they still had the increase "on paper", but had been able to avoid paying higher prices through special agreements lasting until the end of the year. Depending on the supplier and the volume, new contracts could still be placed old prices, EUWID was told.
