Is the paper shortage creating a problem for print firms?

Kerala
R Suresh,
S T Reddiar & Sons
"In Kerala, a majority of the printers get paper from agents and dealers. These agents and dealers stock in bulk quantities and hence we do not face any shortage. Most of the grades of papers are available except standard offset reels. When we approach the paper mills for bulk quantities it may take 15 days for the supply. At times, special varieties of paper – with lesser grammage – is not available. This results in cancellation of orders. But it is rare. In case we get notice about the increase in paper price, we collect it from the suppliers. For contract orders and export orders we absorb the increase."



Maharashtra
Ravi Palaswadikar,
Ravi Printers & Stationers
"There is a paper shortage especially with 100 gsm maplitho, colour paper, lucky parchment type and matt finish art paper. There are time-line problems too. With reel there is a minimum time-lapse of 15 days. We have had to cancel orders because suppliers could not fulfill our paper requirement. Our work on a web press for jobs like books, annual reports had to be refused because paper reel was not available. We feel let down by merchants and mills. For example, firms in Maharashtra had to pay proforma 100% of Rs 7-lakh since this was their first order."


Kolkata
Ranjan Kuthari,  Antarctica
"Grades like kraft paper and coated duplex board are not available. We have time-line delays of six weeks. We are an export firm and the late arrival of paperboard results in shipment delays. We have to procure material against proforma. There’s a loss of 2% per annum on total procurement as a result of defective material and variance from proforma invoice to the final invoice. From the time we communicate with the client for a price increase and by the time it is finalised after a gap of two-three months, there is a price increase. Hence we have to supply on a lower procurement price. And forego margins"


New Delhi
Vinod Kumar Jain, Art Printing House
"There are certain situations which cannot be avoided. Manufacturing mills have increased the rates of different types of paper and board over the past three years. Plus they give information of price increase less than a week before the actual increase and at times after the increase. It has even happened between the period of quoting for a job and purchasing of paper, when the prices have increased and the printer has to suffer. Also some clients place orders for a period of one year. And so, any increase in paper cost during this period has to be borne by the printer. Clients do not absorb the increase in price."