Notebook, notepad prices to go up by P1 to P1.50 — paper products association

An association of school supply manufacturers plans to increase the price of paper products like notebooks and notepads by P1 to P1.50.

In a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on Tuesday's " 24 Oras," Philippine School Pads and Notebooks Manufacturers Association (PHISPANO) president Gerry Lim Bon Hiong said the shutdown of paper factories in China triggered a global price increase.

"China has shut down most of its [factories] because of the problem with air pollution. The mills outside of China [are] not prepared for this huge demand in paper needs. That's why it triggered a world price increase," the executive told GMA News.

Hiong said the higher demand for paper could also affect the prices of paper products used outside the school supply industry.

"Those carton boxes, mga sardinas and other food entity that uses a lot of paper packaging or boxes," he said.

Saying its manufacturers have not increased the price of paper products in three years, PHISPANO was quoted as saying the price hike was imminent unless the government provides assistance, such as tax incentives.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has yet to issue an official statement as of the report. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News