Trading Statement

Cropper(James) PLC
02 March 2005


Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham
Date: Wednesday, 2 March 2005


                                                               Embargoed: 7.30am

                                James Cropper PLC

                                TRADING STATEMENT



STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, J A CROPPER

In my Interim Results statement issued on 16th November 2004 I said that the
unprecedented rise in the cost of natural gas would inevitably dampen the
Group's profitability in the second half, particularly that of James Cropper
Speciality Papers.

This statement was based upon forward market projections at the time, suggesting
that the cost in the second half of the current financial year would be
substantially higher than that in the first half. I am however pleased to report
that, although the cost of gas will be higher this year compared with last year,
this projection has proved to be overly cautious. Accordingly the Board expects
the Group to exceed current market expectations.

Furthermore, sales by James Cropper Speciality Papers have continued to grow in
the second half.

Since the Interim Statement in November 2004 three new Paper Mill Shop outlets
have been opened in Chester, North Shields and Bideford, taking the number of
outlets to 17 across the UK.

Although we have witnessed growth in US$ sales profitability from both Technical
Fibre Products ('TFP') and James Cropper Converting continue to be adversely
affected by the weak US$. The full year results for these two divisions are
expected to be down on last year.

Despite the difficulties in TFP and James Cropper Converting, the outlook for
the full financial year has improved significantly since the Interim Results
announcement and as stated above, the Board believes that the Group's results
for the full year ended 2 April 2005 will exceed current market forecasts.

The Group's Preliminary Results for the year to 2 April 2005 are expected to be
announced on Tuesday 21st June 2005.




Enquiries:
Alun Lewis, Chief Executive
John Denman, Group Finance Director          Katie Dale, Account Manager
James Cropper PLC                            Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Telephone: [phone]                      Telephone: [phone]
www.cropper.com                              Mobile: [phone]




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