Price growth and frustration in the print and publishing raw materials market

In recent weeks, a significant increase in the price of ink and paper has caused widespread concern among activists in the printing industry and publishers. These two commodities, as the main inputs for producing books, magazines, and packaging, play a vital role in the print and publishing supply chain, and any price fluctuation in them can quickly affect the entire market.

The price of certain types of paper has increased by 20 to 40 percent over the past month, while the price of ink has also experienced a growth of 15 to 30 percent. The fact that a significant portion of raw materials are imported, currency fluctuations, transportation limitations, and supply shortages in the global market are cited as the main causes of this price increase.

Meanwhile, publishers emphasize that increased costs have led to a tangible increase in the final price of books. Some of them have been forced to reduce print runs due to concerns about a decline in audience purchasing power, as they face a dilemma: whether to offer the book at a higher price or reduce their print runs.

Printing houses are also expressing concern about reduced profit margins and potential stagnation in orders. The increase in the price of ink and other consumables has led to an increase in the price of printing services for customers, causing many clients, especially small businesses, to postpone printing their advertising products.

From the beginning of this week, the price of paper increased by 165,000 Tomans compared to last week, reaching 2,650,000 Tomans per ream. However, on Wednesday (December 10), it reached 2,900,000 Tomans per ream. Given the continuous growth of the exchange rate and challenges in securing currency for paper imports, this issue has created significant concerns for those active in the print and publishing sector.

According to IBNA’s reporter, each ream of 70-gram paper, size 100×70, was offered at 2,900,000 Tomans, and its 60×90 size was priced at 2,600,000 Tomans in the market. The 80-gram paper was sold this week in 70×100 size for about 3,350,000 Tomans per ream, and the 60×90 size of 80-gram paper was traded at 3,050,000 Tomans per ream.

Also, the price per kilogram of 250-gram gray-back cardboard is 95,000 Tomans, 180-gram is 93,000 Tomans per kilogram, 230-gram is 95,000 Tomans per kilogram, and 250-gram is 92,000 Tomans per kilogram.

Glossy paper (coated paper) with a grammage of 128 grams, size 100×70, was priced at 130,000 to 145,000 Tomans per kilogram, 250 grams size 70×120 for 135,000 Tomans per kilogram, 300 grams size 70×100 for about 132,000 Tomans, and 200 grams size 70×100 was priced at 123,000 Tomans.

Also, the price of two-sheet zinc plates varies depending on payment conditions and purchase volume. This product was traded in the market between 195,000 and 210,000 Tomans, depending on the brand and country of manufacture.

The price of isopropyl alcohol produced in the Netherlands was announced at 168,000 to 180,000 Tomans per kilogram, and isopropyl alcohol produced in South Korea was 180,000 Tomans per kilogram.

Each kilogram of Iranian colored glossy ink is available in the market for 510,000 Tomans, black glossy ink for 395,000 Tomans per kilogram, Iranian colored writing ink for 445,000 Tomans per kilogram, and black Iranian writing ink for 345,000 Tomans per kilogram. The price of foreign glossy ink (Chinese, Korean, and German) increased this week to approximately 700,000 to 850,000 Tomans.

Iranian cold binding glue has also increased by about 400,000 Tomans, reaching a price of 3,300,000 Tomans, whereas its price in previous weeks was about 2,900,000 Tomans. Hot glue was also sold in the market for 370,000 Tomans per kilogram.