Asia’s Packaging Paper Market Sees a Strong Price Surge in November 2025

In November 2025, Asia’s paper industry is experiencing another round of price increases. Major paper manufacturers from China, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia have announced price adjustments, covering key grades such as kraft paper, ivory board, duplex board, and coated kraft board (CKB). The increase ranges from USD 30 to 80 per ton, marking the second major price hike since August — a sign that the regional supply-demand balance is shifting.

Industry analysts point out that this surge is mainly driven by higher raw material costs and stronger downstream demand. Rising pulp prices, early seasonal packaging orders, and improved export demand are combining to push the market upward.

Upstream Pressure: Firm Pulp Prices Push Production Costs Higher

Pulp — the core raw material for papermaking — continues to see price growth worldwide. Since September, both softwood and hardwood pulp prices have increased steadily, with some grades up nearly 15% compared with early 2025.

Several key factors are driving this trend:

Tighter supply: Some pulp mills are undergoing annual maintenance, reducing overall availability.

Higher shipping and energy costs: Increased freight rates and fuel expenses are raising import costs for pulp.

Low inventory levels in China: Many Chinese paper mills are running on limited pulp stock after months of price volatility.

As a result, mills face stronger cost pressure — especially those producing high-end grades like ivory board, coated kraft board (CKB), and food-grade paperboard, which rely entirely on virgin pulp.

“The continuous rise in pulp prices forces us to reassess our cost structure,” said a South China paper mill manager. “Without moderate price adjustments, maintaining profitability would be impossible.”

Demand Recovery: Seasonal Boom and Export Growth

While costs rise, demand is also rebounding. Entering the fourth quarter, global holiday consumption and e-commerce activity are driving higher packaging paper orders.

Holiday packaging boosts domestic demand: Gift boxes, food delivery containers, and beverage packaging are in peak season.

Export demand rebounds: Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are increasing paper imports, creating new export opportunities for Asian producers.

Printers and converters stock up early: To prepare for the year-end rush, many factories are building up inventory, further tightening supply.

These combined forces are supporting the market’s upward momentum and providing real justification for price hikes.

Market Shift: From Price Competition to Quality and Supply Stability

As paper prices fluctuate, the competition within the industry is evolving. Instead of low-price bidding, the focus is now shifting toward quality consistency and supply reliability.

Some smaller mills are cutting production or suspending operations due to cost pressure and raw material shortages. Meanwhile, large-scale paper producers with integrated pulp capacity and strong export networks are strengthening their market positions.

Experts predict that the Asian packaging paper market will experience “high volatility and selective consolidation” in the coming months. Buyers are expected to focus more on:

Stable and consistent product quality

Reliable lead time and delivery performance

Suppliers with long-term cost management capabilities

Golden Paper’s Insight: Quality Stability Remains the Core Competitiveness

As a professional paper exporter with deep experience in global trade, Golden Paper closely monitors these market changes. We believe that while short-term price hikes increase procurement challenges, they also encourage the industry to pursue higher standards in quality, sustainability, and supply chain efficiency.

Golden Paper continues to respond with stable quality and flexible services:

Supplying a full range of products including packaging board, food-grade paperboard, printing paper, office paper, tissue paper, and specialty paper.

Using premium virgin wood pulp to ensure excellent smoothness, stiffness, and printability.

Maintaining long-term partnerships with logistics providers to guarantee stable exports.

Offering customized paper packaging solutions to help clients manage cost fluctuations and raw material risks.

We firmly believe that in a market full of uncertainty, consistent quality and reliable delivery are the foundations of long-term customer trust.