Mar 03, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. European package cardboard prices remain steady, however Italy is likely to witness mackled cardboard prices growth. Italian Reno De Medici considers the possibility of increasing prices to EUR 60 per ton since March, 20. Another major Italian manufacturer intends to make a similar increase since April, 1. The market demand increased slightly in Italy after the last year’s decline. Besides package cardboard market is about to enter the most favorable season. Generally the demand for package cardboard increases from March to May and June, right before summer months. However some customers believe that during the first 6 months mackle cardboard prices will not grow, claiming the market is not powerful enough to provide considerable growth. The work of European manufacturers was troubled by the growing raw materials, starch, power and transportation expenses. In case mackle cardboard prices rise in Italy the rest European cardboard producers may react by raising prices. GD2 mackle cardboard prices are presently steady. However several manufacturers reported prices declined EUR 20 per ton on average in Germany and France. But the majority of manufacturers preserved steady prices. The majority of GD2 cardboard customers are sure the prices will remain unchanged during the first 6 months in 2003. The market of primary fiber and GC2 cardboard has also been rather steady beginning the 4th quarter of 2002 when the last price rise happened. Many manufacturers expect GC2 cardboad prices to remain steady until September, 2004.