30 January 2018

Intergraf - Economic news: antitrust inspection in kraft paper sector, paper price increase announcements

The BPIF have been working with Intergraf for many years – we are of the founding members of the organisation preceding Intergraf: the International Bureau of the Federations of Master Printers founded in 1930.

Dale Wallis, BPIF’s Membership Director has been a member of the Intergraf Steering Committee since 2013 and became Chairman in 2017. The Steering Committee play a crucial role in Intergraf's work, by putting into practice strategic decisions made by the Board such as implementing new legislation and supporting members. Dale commented, "During my time as Chairman I would like to see a blueprint for future skills for the industry, and a project to provide a toolbox of ideas, collateral and support mechanisms to encourage young people into our industry. I am sure that with the wealth of experience and enthusiasm in the Steering Committee we can develop something great between us, which will support our members in the foreseeable future."

Economic news: antitrust inspection in kraft paper sector, paper price increase announcements

The European Commission carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of a company operating in the kraft paper sector. Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected cartels.

Newsprint prices were stable in December; contracts are being negotiated with €50/tonne on average (£40/tonne in the UK). Prices for supercalendered paper were also stable in December but strong demand signalled an increase in prices from January onwards; paper producers were pushing through increases of €40/tonne already in December (£30/tonne in the UK). There are planned hikes of 5-8% from January onwards in the uncoated woodfree paper market. Coated woodfree levels remain flat. Price increases of €30-40/tonne are expected either in January or in the course of the first quarter 2018.

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