December Tissue Paper Prices Defy Seasonality: Rising Pulp Costs Drive a Modest Uptrend

At the beginning of December, rising imported pulp prices pushed household tissue prices higher, creating an unusual off-season increase. With international and domestic pulp producers announcing new price hikes for December, production costs continue to rise. Golden Paper expects tissue prices to remain cost-driven in mid-to-late December.

Market Movement and Key Drivers

Since early December, multiple paper producers have issued price-increase letters. Low-end prices in the market have gradually disappeared as cost pressure intensifies. International pulp suppliers have also raised prices, and hardwood pulp—representing a major share of tissue production costs—continues to trend upward. As a result, the monthly average price of household tissue has slightly increased, while mill margins have compressed to one of the lowest levels in two years, prompting stronger pricing actions from manufacturers.

Supply, Demand, and Outlook

The supply side is facing production cuts and shutdown announcements from several softwood pulp mills, which may support pulp prices in the medium term. However, downstream converters remain cautious, still digesting previous stockpiles, and the Chinese New Year stocking cycle has yet to begin. Demand therefore provides limited support for further price increases. Overall, Golden Paper expects tissue prices to continue rising slightly in mid-to-late December, though the increase will remain below the growth seen in hardwood pulp prices.

Golden Paper’s Recommendation

Given the ongoing fluctuations in raw material costs, Golden Paper recommends that buyers assess inventory needs early and consider split-batch replenishment or long-term supply agreements to stabilize procurement costs. For pricing inquiries, samples, or stable long-term supply solutions, please contact the Golden Paper sales team.