Why Australians are set to pay almost double for paper

Australians are set to pay nearly double for paper, with production at the country’s last white paper mill now suspended.

Opal Australian Paper in the Latrobe Valley has suspended white paper production after failing to secure timber supply from VicForests.

CEO of Office Brands, Adam Joy, says the price of paper and stationery will surge due to import tariffs protecting an Australian industry that no longer exists.

“The cost of paper is the biggest issue, especially for small businesses because they have to pass it on to consumers and importing this paper when the tariffs are applied will move the cost of paper from around $4 to $7.

“”We’re protecting something that doesn’t exist.”

Press PLAY below to hear how the closure will impact paper prices