In 2013 the import prices in the US seemed to have stabilized at a somewhat lower
level compared to the record prices in 2012. The average US import price during the
first 6 months of 2013 stood at USD 923/tonne, or 7.4 percent lower than during the
same period in 2012. This is still well above the average import prices prevalent in
the EU, although some countries, like France, are showing a tendency towards higher
prices in 2013. Overall, prices in the EU are expected to remain firm and close to the
2012 level.