Price negotiations for brown recycled corrugated case material on the German market entered into the final stretch at the end of February. Although certain corrugated board manufacturers were determined to resist price hikes in light of the weak demand situation, it was becoming apparent in the first week of March that the majority of contracts contained mark-ups, sometimes with small delays in implementation.
In some cases, buyers expressed astonishment that such a price step had succeeded despite the imbalance between supply and demand. In other cases, respondents expressed understanding for the move, but were surprised by the amount of the adjustment.
In the meantime, one supplier has also announced price hikes for white recycled corrugated case material. Market watchers are taken aback by this move, as they had expected players would wait to see if the adjustments for white-top kraftliner can be implemented in April.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/