Chinese Paper Mills Announce 50 Yuan/Ton Price Increases Amid Weak Market Conditions

Major Chinese paper manufacturers, led by Nine Dragons Paper, have announced a new round of price increases across multiple grades of packaging paper, with most adjustments set at 50 yuan ($7) per ton. The coordinated moves come as producers attempt to stabilize prices in a subdued market through tighter supply-side controls.

Nine Dragons Paper issued notices across its Quanzhou, Dongguan, Beihai, and Taicang production bases, with increases taking effect between April 18 and April 21. The adjustments cover a range of products including corrugated paper, kraft paper, and recycled containerboard grades.

Other manufacturers have followed suit. Jiangsu Jintian Paper Industry Co., Ltd. announced a 50 yuan per ton increase effective April 23 for its Jinbo-brand kraft and high-strength corrugated papers. Similarly, Shanxi Qiangwei Paper Industry will raise prices by the same amount from April 24, including on outstanding orders.

Additional mills, including Dongguan Jintian, Liansheng Paper (Longhai), Jiangsu Jiusen Paper, and producers in Qinhuangdao, have also implemented increases ranging from 30 to 50 yuan per ton across various grades, with effective dates spanning April 20 to April 25.

The latest pricing actions signal an effort by producers to counter a prolonged downward trend in paper prices. Industry participants indicate that mills are seeking to “take the initiative in a weak market” by restricting supply and pushing through price adjustments.

However, the sustainability of these increases remains uncertain. Market observers note that successful implementation will depend on a recovery in downstream packaging demand. If order volumes fail to improve, mills may face difficulty passing higher costs on to end users.