By Orifjon Abidov, Economist, Packaging, RISI
LONDON,
March 2, 2010 (Viewpoint) -
Like all paper and board markets, the Western European cartonboard market was characterized by plummeting demand throughout last year. However, it appears that import pressure, measured by import share in total cartonboard demand in Western Europe, reached a historical peak of about 16% (compared to an average of 11% over the last five years) during the second quarter of 2009 and started to decline from the third quarter.
Looking at the breakdown by major Western European cartonboard grade, it appears that the import pressure essentially increased in the folding boxboard (FBB) and white-lined chipboard (WLC) markets. The market share of these grades in 2009 in the Western European domestic cartonboard market was 25% and 44%, respectively. Last year, in both markets imports volumes continued to increase in the face of declining demand, leading to a sharp increase in import share in each market.
On the recycled side, Western European imports come first from Eastern Europe, then from North America (clay-coated recycled board) and Asia. These three regions make up all the Western European imports of recycled cartonboard. On the FBB front, the lion's share of Western European imports come from Eastern Europe, followed by Latin America and finally from Asia (ivory board). Except North America, all other regions substantially increased their exports to Western Europe. In total, imports in terms of tonnage in each of these two cartonboard markets increased by an average of 25% last year relative to 2008 levels.
If you have any questions on our analytical reports on European paper packaging markets, please feel free to contact me directly at: oabidov@risi.com.
The Paper Packaging Monitor Europe is a monthly commentary offering analysis and forecasts of pricing and availability for European containerboard and cartonboard markets. Publication frequency: 12 times a year.
Learn more:http://www.risiinfo.com/risi-store/do/product/detail/paper-packaging-monitor-europe.html The European Paper Packaging Forecast - 5-Year provides a comprehensive assessment of the European paper packaging markets with forecasts of the macroeconomy, supply, demand, trade, capacity, and selected prices and costs for corrugated boxes and containerboard, cartonboard and recovered paper.
Publication frequency: Two issues per year. Learn more: http://www.risiinfo.com/risi-store/do/product/detail/european-paper-packaging-forecast-5-year.html
