The balance of power in Europe’s pulp market has clearly shifted toward buyers. Amid sluggish demand in China, weak European paper and cartonboard markets, and broader geopolitical tensions, pulp suppliers are facing increasing pressure.
Since mid-April, Europe’s pulp market has faced mounting challenges due to weak global demand – particularly from China – and ongoing geopolitical tensions. These pressures have weakened suppliers’ pricing power, shifting the market in favour of buyers.
Efforts to raise prices for bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) pulp have largely failed, market players told EUWID. Spot prices have also declined, reflecting improved availability and cautious buyer sentiment.
Northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp prices have remained more stable, but future direction remains uncertain. With margins squeezed by low prices and a weak US dollar, some producers are considering output cuts to rebalance supply and demand.
Buyers, including paper and cartonboard manufacturers, are under their own financial strain and are pushing back hard on prices, leading to order deferrals and delivery postponements.
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