Monday, July 8, 2013

CEPI Reports 2012 European Pulp & Paper Falls

CEPI just released the latest European pulp and paper industry statistics, which give a clear picture of the performance of the industry in 2012. These key statistics include data about production, consumption and the trade of pulp, paper and raw materials, as well as data concerning energy, environm  
CEPI members produced 92.1 million tonnes of paper and board in 2012 which represents a decrease of 1.6% over 2011. The pre-crisis production in 2008 totalled 97.9 million tonnes. Pulp production fell by 1.0% while the output of market pulp increased by 4.3%.
Exports of paper and board outside Europe showed an increase by 5.3% whilst imports fell by 9.7% when compared with 2011. The overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI fell by 3.8% last year. In comparison the overall GDP in Europe decreased by 0.3% in 2012, but it will recover in 2014 with a 1.4% increase (source: Eurostat - EU27).
European pulp and paper production in 2012 continued to be affected by the economic slowdown which began in mid-2011. Notably, its performance remains above other energy-intensive sectors in Europe. The European paper industry is looking for a healthier supply and demand balance and is modernising its industrial base to remain competitive.