Amidst infirm demands, newsprint prices continue sliding down the price trajectory in Europe

Since the beginning of 2023, European newsprint prices have been running southwards on the back of decrepit demand in the European market. Sliding along the price trajectories in the first half, the second half of 2023 seems no different. The European newsprint prices have been keeping enfeebled for quite a while.

Germany registered a price of Euro 40-70/tonne for the 45-g grade of paper for the current month. While the prices of paper witnessed the range of Euro 140-150/month in the second quarter, the deficit is significantly distressing for the paper industry.

France, keeping up with the similar nosediving trend, had slid by Euro 110-125/month in the second quarter, which further worsened by Euro 80-135/month in July 2023 for the 42-g grade.

Prices for 42.5-g paper in the UK showed stability during the later part of Q2, following a decline of Euro 85-110 per tonne in April. This steadiness was due to the upholding of quarterly contracts. However, in early July, the prices were jolted yet again, experiencing a decline of £70-90 per tonne. Though negotiations are still ongoing in the UK, indicating potential further changes in prices.

Situations in Italy and Spain remain to be uncertain as the paper pricing for the month of July is  still open. However, speculations on the back of dull demand indicate the extenuated price ranges there. The price for 45-g grade has witnessed a slash of Euro 170-175/tonne in Italy, while Spain registered the range of Euro 100-140/tonne.

According to Procurement Resource, in 2023, European newsprint prices have continuously declined due to weak demand. Germany, France, and the UK have all experienced significant drops in paper prices, causing distress in the paper industry. The outlook for the second half of the year remains uncertain, with Italy and Spain also expected to face price challenges. Recovery prospects for the European newsprint market remain doubtful.