This was in contrast to the majority of media reports, which were talking down the economy and current market conditions, he said.
Paper prices are, instead, set for a period of inflation, and will have to respond to a market that is on the verge of a major upturn, according to Turk.
One leading manufacturer said: Any forecast
of an upturn in the market will be good news for manufacturers, merchants and printers alike.
The cyclical nature of the market had been hit this year by the continuing impact of the downturn in advertising spend almost a mini recession together with events in Iraq, said the manufacturer.
The knock-on effect of an upturn would be greater opportunities for margins to improve, he added.
Prices for graphic papers are forecast to rise first, followed closely by packaging paper and board as they respond to improving market conditions during the first half of 2004.
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Story by Andy Scott
