Mystery paper import rise in New Zealand

Annual statistics show that shipments of printing and communication papers have almost doubled, with all four grades achieving rises well in the double digits since 2001/02. According to industry bible Pulp & Paper Edge, there is no clear indication where all the extra paper has gone.

New Zealand has not manufactured printing and communication grades since the closure of the Mataura mill in 2000/01, meaning imports are now the sole source of supply for the country. Excluding the small amount re-exported to the Pacific Islands, the amount of imports now is now approximately equal to apparent consumption.

While it remains unclear what exactly is driving the imports up, Robert Eastmant, editor at Pulp & Paper Edge, emphasises several factors that could potentially explain the rise. These include the strength of the New Zealand dollar, the influence of the property boom on publishing, the introduction of supplements by major newspapers, advertisers upgrading to coated papers and increases in catalogue production.

Demand for imports of coated mechanicals in particular is booming, increasing at an average of 29 per cent every year, with LWC grades rising by a massive rate of 49 per cent. On the other hand, while imports in uncoated mechanicals are also rising fast, the figures are emphasised as a recovery instead of signifying a fresh demand.

Eastmant claims that the increase in demand for paper imports is reflected in the confidence held in the New Zealand graphic arts industry. “Our analysis suggests that while ever the New Zealand economy remains reasonably buoyant, there is the potential for further growth in printing and communication paper demand across the Tasman,” he says.