Chinese CFP must cost more - EC

Coated fine paper (CFP) from China is set to increase in price.

The move follows a ruling from the European Commission which investigated an anti-dumping complaint from the Confederation of European Fine Paper Industries (Cepifine).

Chinese manufacturers had been selling CFP in Europe cheaper than usual and although the change is effective immediately, prices of current stocks will stay as they are.

One print firm has said however that the EU is blocking competition.

Stuart Mason is managing director at commercial printer the Ink Shop, which buys the Chinese-manufactured Pacesetter. He said: "There is a 4%-5% saving over comparable European brands. We are buying competitively from China.

"Where does the EU get off with this? There was competition in the market, there's not now. The EU has made our product non-competitive. It is blocking paper from China.

He added: "It's a disgrace."

Andy Buxton, managing director of Paperlinx merchant Howard Smith Paper Group, said: "At this stage, the company is unable to say exactly what the long-term impact will be for APP Gold East products.

"In the immediate and short-term, HSPG can assure its customers that it has significant stocks in place and that current market prices will be maintained."

According to Cepifine, the UK imports more CFP than any other country.

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