Mar 23, 2009. The decrease in demand, generated by the present, serious international economic situation, has had a strong impact on paper production activities during the last quarter of 2008, ending with a volume and turnover decrease of over 6%. During last year’s 4Q, production volumes were marked by a 12,6% decrease compared to October –December 2007 data, after the 2,7% drop experienced during the second half-year of 2008, and the 8% decrease of the 3Q.
Italian paper production down 12.6% in 4Q 2008
Mar 23, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. The decrease in demand, generated by the present, serious international economic situation, has had a strong impact on paper production activities during the last quarter of 2008, ending with a volume and turnover decrease of over 6%, as Packaging Europe informed Lesprom Network.
During last year’s 4Q, production volumes were marked by a 12,6% decrease compared to October –December 2007 data, after the 2,7% drop experienced during the second half-year of 2008, and the 8% decrease of the 3Q. According to ISTAT, paper and cardboard production in 2008 was slightly over 9,4 million tons.
As regards the demand, 4Q results show an overall, significant order decrease if compared to the last quarter of 2007. Internal demand shows the worst results, reaching its lowest level since 1995. The international scene, involved in an unprecedented crisis, is at the basis of the overall pessimistic business perspectives for the ongoing quarter.
The exasperation of pessimistic tones, which is unavoidable in this particular period, is also related to the fact that Italian industries are penalized with respect to foreign competitors. For this reason, Assocarta both independently and in cooperation with other associations in the paper processing chain (ACIMGA, AIE, ANES, ARGI, ASIG, ASSOGRAFICI and FIEG) is drawing the attention of politicians on the pressing measures of industrial policy which are essential to safeguard competitiveness and the survival of national industry.
