Printers to Observe 22nd March 2021 as Black Day – AIFMP
22 March 2021: Printers are suffering the biggest blow even verse than COVID these days. Taking in consideration constant increase in the raw material prices it is becoming a question of survival of for the Printing and Packaging industry. AIFMP condemn the sharp increase in the prices of raw material especially paper, plates and chemical etc. during the emergency meeting with Presidents of all Affiliate Association of AIFMP on 17th March 2021. This unprecedented steep escalation of price of Paper by the paper mills is the major hurdle while consuming industries are not willing to pass on the cost making their business unviable.
Prof. Kamal Chopra, President said, that in local market Kraft paper which was available at Rs.22.50 in October now the price is quoted at Rs.39.50. Kraft paper is the main ingredient for master cartons. Duplex board meant for cardboard boxes is priced at Rs.55 per kg which was available at Rs.38 per kg only couple of months before. The increase of more than 40% is noticed in white paper and art paper etc. Rate of Art paper is increased from Rs.63 per kg to Rs.85 per kg and white printing paper is now selling at Rs. 60 per kg which was available at Rs.40 per kg some time back. It is not the only criteria that prices are increased abnormally but even at this price the paper is not available.
Minoo Davar, BMPA said, it is seen that over the past about five/six months the Paper Mills in the country have exponentially increased their prices. This sudden and unnatural spiralling increase in price of basic raw material “Paper & Board” has caught the printing industry unaware. Davar added that Printing is an intermediary industry and most of the printers are operating in micro sector and also bound to abide by the contracts and tenders signed with private and various government agencies. Printers are stuck between manufacturers who increase the prices of raw material without any consideration and customers who are not willing to pay the additional costs demanded by the printers, due to the increase of raw material. This will seriously impact the Publishing and Packaging Industry.
