Price increases for the coated and uncoated woodfree paper of up to 10 percent had been announced for deliveries as of 15 February or 1 March, but this has had hardly any impact on pricing in Germany to date.
The majority of fine paper volumes is covered by contracts running until the end of March, and companies were reportedly respecting their agreements. A number of price adjustments have reportedly been imposed only for new orders and non-contractual volumes so far.
Fine paper manufacturers see no way to compromise on prices given the consistent rise in pulp costs. However, the lack of support from the demand side remains an issue at the start of March, not only in Germany but all across Europe.
