Market resists Sappi's bid to up woodfree prices.(coated and uncoated paper, Europe)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)

Reports of woodfree price rises continue, but it's likely that the market will resist, writes Andy Scott.

The woodfree sector continues to remain under pressure to increase its prices, especially since Sappi stirred the market by announcing plans to raise prices for coated woodfree reels and sheets by 5% across Europe from September (PrintWeek, 19 July).

Market sources have indicated that any intention by Sappi to raise prices will be difficult to push through, and one source said that he doubted if the other woodfree mills would follow suit.

'Everybody knows it's tight out there, so to try and push an increase through at this stage would be daft, …