The French market for paper and board fluctuated significantly between 1994 and 1998, affected by changes in local demand, international activity, and variations in stock levels. French production of paper and board fluctuated significantly between 1994 and 1998, affected by domestic demand and export sales.
International trade has a significant impact on the consumption of paper and board in France.
The penetration of the market by imported goods is particularly high, especially for graphic papers. The distribution of paper and board has become increasingly critical to the success of companies as demand has become particularly price sensitive in recent years. As a result, a number of companies have increased the vertical integration of their activities from the manufacture to the conversion and distribution of their products in order to gain further competitive advantage. The French paper and board industry is highly fragmented with a plethora of small and medium size companies.