Much movement on the German market for coated fine paper

摘要

The new strategy introduced by market leader Sappi is creating an interesting time with lots of movement on the German market for coated fine paper. It is unclear to what extent pricing is being shaped by the fact that Sappi has taken its direct business into its own hands. There are reports of "interesting offers" - after all, customers have to be offered some sort of incentive in order to switch suppliers - but manufacturers were still quite successful in the last price round. The question now is whether the price hike will prove lasting. Observers on the market in Germany believe that December, which is typically a month with weak deliveries, will show if the higher price level can be maintained.