Supply remains tight in a number of segments, currency effects helping to implement higher prices
Poland was among the most dynamic countries in Europe again last year with economic growth of 4.6%. The first few weeks of 2018 are giving no reason to worry that the general trend will change any time soon. January started off with many Polish paper and cartonboard manufacturers and printers and packaging producers working at full steam.
Booming demand is prevalent in many segments of Poland's paper and board market, for instance for SC and newsprint, woodfree uncoated paper, corrugated case material and GC cartonboard, and is coinciding with scant supply throughout Europe. After a tough year in terms of procurement and the trend in pricing, many converters are preparing for similar market conditions. Price hikes were hence implemented at the start of the year for publication paper and virgin-fibre cartonboard without much in the way of discussion. Mark-ups are being discussed for recycled corrugated case material and kraftliner.
