The consumption of paper in the SFR Yugoslavia is estimated at 42 kgs per capita annually, while in the SR Croatia, it ranges from 46 to 50 kgs per capita annually. The projected consumption is expected to increase to 62-65 kgs per capita annually in the SFR Yugoslavia and 65-70 kgs in the SR Croatia.
However, there is a growing disproportion between production and consumption, with paper product manufacturing outpacing pulp and paper production. It is anticipated that by 1985, 16% of the total consumption will be covered by imports.
The structural imbalance between pulp and paper manufacturing and paper product manufacturing is attributed to the negative correlation between the capital coefficient and the rate of return. In the period from 1966 to 1978, the average capital coefficient for pulp and paper was 4.46, while for paper products, it was 1.40.
To address this issue, future development should focus on the vertical integration of the entire forest industries complex. Joint investments are needed to eliminate the current production structure and improve efficiency.
