Market Report

Everything unclear, that much is clear

NL-Tilburg, 15 March 2026
 

After another week of wrangling, we have finally gained some insight into the shipping companies’ stance. In fact, they are all following the policy of the market leader, who was the first to announce surcharges on fares 10 days ago. Surcharges everywhere, then, but fortunately not (yet) with retroactive effect. However, some shipping routes have been cancelled, or rather suspended by the shipping line, with the consequence that containers already loaded and delivered to the port will not be leaving for the time being. The choice then is: retrieve the containers and unload them again, or store them in a depot until sailings resume. As it is unclear when the latter will happen, the choice between these two evils is not so difficult: take your loss straight away, because then you know where you stand.

In this situation, after gauging this week the position of mill buyers in Asia, it is clear that they are not yet willing to consider sharing the higher freight costs. That may change next week, but for now they prefer to wait and see how things develop. That is a lot easier for these buyers than it is for us as suppliers. With the higher shipping rates coming into effect as early as tomorrow – although the full extent of the additional costs is not yet clear – it is not possible to finalize orders. So, if current orders are still being delivered, and therefore loaded, despite the increased rates, the export market will effectively come to a standstill.
And although local market prices are lower than those for exports, there will still be more supply locally. Because a bird in the hand . . . 

And what used to be a constant boost – the US dollar has appreciated by around 3% in two weeks – is now working against us: after all, selling in dollars is not possible, and it only makes oil even more expensive.  On the other hand, local sales do not seem to be a problem at the moment either, as demand remains strong. And the paper and cardboard industry seems able to cope with the

current purchase prices. And, also possible, everything might change to the better in the next days. So not everything is dramatic. But problematic it is.

more demand

Price indication

Price indication in Europe for low grades of recovered paper, sorted, baled and ex works are now between € 60 and € 80 per tonne. These prices are depending on quality, available volume, region and loaded weight.

Look here at the Price chart >> 
  
The price chart gives an indication of the price  of mixed paper, separately collected, in the Netherlands free delivered mill over the last 10 years.
Scrolling over the top of the columns gives the exact price indication in Euro's per ton.