EU P&P export volumes to USA are biggest in Graphic Papers and Cartonboard segments.
Since Finland heavily relies on exports in graphic papers and Folding boxboard (FBB) and Sweden has a strong presence in FBB, any trade barriers would hit their industries hard.
Finland and Sweden have been able to export increasing volumes of FBB to US market due to it's competitive product characteristics compared to locally produced Solid Bleached Board (SBS) in some applications. FBB has fber yield advantage over SBS. Would there be investments for a local cartonboard if the price of imported FBB would go up? I doubt it. Why? US producers could have done such investments already by now and be successful. American public companies producing paper typically have high annual dividend expectations. Class of $ Billion + investment into new paper producing capacity in a new grade can be risky. Especially if it would compete with SBS production company is already producing.
Middle East graphic paper export to USA is eye-catching. The free trade agreement between the UAE and the US, largely driven by defense contracts, creates an interesting trade opportunity for local paper producers.
