The paper industry was one of five industries who will need to prepare for a tough year, with IBIS revealing its annual list, nominating the top five industries set to soar in 2012, and the five expected to sink.

Karen Dobie general manager of IBIS World (Australia) says, “Australian paper producers have been battling for some time now against foreign producers that have significant cost advantages.

“The price of woodchips is expected to continue to remain high in 2012 – resulting in continuing high prices for printed materials. This will be an additional reason for consumers to go electronic.”

The research firm adds that delays in the development of a number of key production sites such as the Gunns mill in Bell Bay, Tasmania and the Protavia mill in Penola, South Australia have also dented industry productivity.

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