Prices for kraft and sulfite packaging papers increased in Germany in the third quarter of this year, even though several converters claim to have thwarted the paper industry's efforts, Euwid Pulp and Paper, Germany, reported this week. Several paper producers say they have not been able to implement the envisaged hike for all customers although they could still negotiate a higher price on an average against the backdrop of relatively tight paper availability in the recent past, the Euwid report noted.

 

The pulp market in Germany remains very stable. Following a weak year in 2013, business figures in 2014 have so far been very positive. In the first six months of the year, deliveries could not be made at all times in view of the extremely high demand, but now load levels are comfortable leaving little to be desired and order books are full until the end of the year, one producer told Euwid. Most converters also report that ordering from customers is brisk and in-house stocks are low so that incoming goods can be directly converted for a large part, Euwid added.