China Paper and Paperboard Industry Production Report January–March 2026

Overview

According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s machine-made paper and paperboard industry maintained stable growth in the first quarter of 2026. From January to March 2026, the total output of machine-made paper and paperboard (excluding processing of purchased raw paper) by large-scale enterprises nationwide reached 40.188 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.1%.

The data reflects continued recovery in industrial demand, expanding packaging consumption, and stable growth in downstream sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, food packaging, and consumer goods manufacturing.

National Production Performance

China’s paper and paperboard production remained highly concentrated in coastal and manufacturing-intensive provinces. Eastern and southern provinces continued to dominate national output due to advantages in industrial clusters, export-oriented manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, and access to raw materials.

Top Producing Provinces (January–March 2026)

Together, the top four provinces accounted for more than half of national production, highlighting the strong regional concentration of China’s paper manufacturing industry.

Regional Analysis

1. Shandong Province Leads the Nation

Shandong Province ranked first nationwide with a cumulative output of 6.4837 million tons during the first quarter of 2026.

Key advantages supporting Shandong’s leadership include:

• Strong industrial foundation in papermaking

• Large-scale integrated paper enterprises

• Well-developed logistics and port infrastructure

• High concentration of packaging and export manufacturing industries

• Stable domestic and overseas demand

Shandong has long been one of China’s core papermaking bases, particularly in packaging paper, containerboard, and industrial paper products.

2. Guangdong Maintains Strong Production Capacity

Guangdong Province ranked second with 5.5245 million tons of output.

As China’s largest manufacturing and export province, Guangdong benefits from:

• Massive packaging demand from export industries

• Strong e-commerce and consumer goods sectors

• Advanced supply chains

• High concentration of downstream converting enterprises

The province remains a major driver of packaging paper consumption and production growth.

3. Zhejiang and Jiangsu Form the Yangtze River Delta Production Hub

Zhejiang and Jiangsu together produced over 8.55 million tons during the quarter.

The Yangtze River Delta region continues to serve as one of China’s most advanced paper manufacturing clusters due to:

• High industrial efficiency

• Strong environmental compliance capabilities

• Mature recycling systems

• Advanced papermaking technologies

These provinces are particularly competitive in high-grade packaging paper and specialty paper production.

4. Guangxi Emerges as a Key Southern Production Base

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region produced 3.1465 million tons, ranking fifth nationally.

The region has become increasingly important because of:

• Rich forestry and pulp resources

• Lower operating costs

• Expansion of integrated pulp-and-paper projects

• Policy support for industrial development

Guangxi is gradually strengthening its role in China’s pulp supply chain and integrated papermaking capacity.

Industry Trends

Stable Growth in Packaging Demand

The 5.1% year-on-year increase indicates resilient demand from:

• E-commerce packaging

• Food and beverage packaging

• Consumer goods

• Logistics and transportation industries

Containerboard and corrugated paper remain major growth drivers.

Continued Industry Concentration

Production remains concentrated among large-scale enterprises and developed industrial regions. Smaller producers continue facing pressure from:

• Environmental compliance costs

• Energy efficiency requirements

• Raw material price volatility

• Industry consolidation

Leading enterprises are expected to further increase market share.

Green and Sustainable Development

China’s paper industry continues transitioning toward:

• Energy-efficient production

• Low-carbon manufacturing

• Recycled fiber utilization

• Cleaner pulping technologies

Environmental regulations are accelerating modernization across the sector.

Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, China’s paper and paperboard industry is expected to maintain moderate growth throughout 2026, supported by:

• Stable domestic consumption

• Recovery in industrial production

• Expansion of e-commerce logistics

• Ongoing urban consumption upgrades

However, the industry may still face challenges including:

• Fluctuating pulp prices

• International trade uncertainties

• Environmental policy tightening

• Energy cost pressures

Large integrated producers with strong supply chains and technological advantages are likely to continue outperforming the broader market.

Conclusion

China’s machine-made paper and paperboard industry achieved solid growth in the first quarter of 2026, with total national output reaching 40.188 million tons, up 5.1% year-on-year. Shandong Province maintained its leading position with output exceeding 6.48 million tons, followed by Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu.

The data demonstrates continued resilience in China’s manufacturing and packaging sectors, while also highlighting the increasing concentration, modernization, and sustainability transformation of the country’s paper industry.