Talks between the Finnish paper unions and employers ended on 20 May, with no sign of an agreement any nearer. The two sides were set to get back together on 25 May, after PrintWeek went to press.

Employers extended their lockout of workers to four weeks until 15 June, in response to a series of strikes by unions last week.

Any shortages would affect the supply of lightweight coated papers (LWC), woodfree uncoateds and newsprint.

One paper buyer said price increases could now be applied, with UPM warning of weekly losses of 19m (E28m), and M-real of between 3.5m-7m.

The Swedish union Pappers has announced a new overtime ban, which will commence on 1 June. It will affect the 16 mills in Sweden owned by Finnish firms Stora Enso, M-real, Mets Tissue and Ahlstrom, and could stop production.

Finland accounts for 27% of the UK's imports of paper and board.

Story by Andy Scott