Price increases needed in all board and paper business


04/06/2008
M-real Corporation Press Release 4.6.2008
 
Profitability in the board and paper industry has been sliding for a number of
years. Costs have been rising heavily. The increase has been especially strong
in wood and energy prices. At the same time, sales prices have not compensated
for the cost escalation despite price increases for some grades. It is clear
that price increases are needed to improve profitability. 
 
In Finland, where the folding boxboard production units of M-real are located,
production costs have risen 20 per cent since 2005, annual cost increase being
6-7 per cent. We have already announced new price increases in the USD and GBP
markets. In the Euro markets the needed price increase of folding boxboard is
minimum 10 per cent at the first stage. We will revert to the folding boxboard
price increases in the near future. 
 
M-real has announced a price increase for coated magazine papers between 6-8
per cent depending on product and market, and the implementation is ongoing. 
 
For uncoated fine papers prices were increased in April and May. Further
actions are under evaluation. 
The price increase needs are greatest in coated fine papers. M-real plans to
increase prices of its coated fine papers by a minimum of EUR 50 per ton.
Negotiations are ongoing with customers. 
 
For further information please contact:
Juha Laine
Vice President, Investor relations and Communications
Mobile: +358 50 346 0350
Email: juha.laine@m-real.com