Containerboard and Cartonboard Prices in the UK Still on a Downward Spiral
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Printing and writing paper producers in Western Europe take downtime in order to adapt their ouput to slow order intake.
Publication paper and fine paper prices are still facing pressure in the UK amidst persistently slow demand. LWC and coated woodfree paper manufacturers, in particular, are said to be experiencing very lacklustre order intake from the British markt. In February, a number of sources quoted the same prices as in the first month of 2023, but some prices have also been reduced in a month-on-month comparison. Paper producers are trying to bring their output in line with current demand by taking downtime in various ways.
Destocking, low demand and pressure on prices continued to prevail on corrugated case material and cartonboard markets in February. Price cuts had been implemented across the board. Brown recycled corrugated case material was especially hard hit, while white-top liner prices were more stable. Reycled cartonboard encountered more price reductions than virgin-fibre grades. Experts anticipate that prices will continue on a downward path in all areas in March. That being said, a few optimists believe that the cartonboard and packging business might soon finish destocking. For its part, the corrugated case material market is not expected to enjoy a fundamental improvement before the second half of the year.
