Taiwanese Paper and Paperboard Industry Reports Decreased Sales Amid Uncertain Tariff Policies and Weak Demand

Taiwan's paper and paperboard production in May 2025 saw a decline influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. equalization tariff policies and continued weak market demand. Total production decreased by 5.8% year-on-year to 319,677 tons, while sales dropped 13.7% to 303,702 tons. Domestic sales decreased by 9.1%, and exports fell sharply by 22.2%. Despite small growth in domestic consumption for certain types like cultural and household papers, industrial paper shipments continued to decline, affected by export industry tax uncertainties. The market outlook remains cautious due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and volatile currency fluctuations. Production and sales of coated and uncoated printing and writing papers showed mixed trends, with some segments growing in production but declining in sales.