As mid-May arrived, numerous paper manufacturers issued a flurry of price-hike notices, resulting in a widespread upward adjustment in the prices of paper products used in the building materials sector. Companies such as Dongguan Jintian, Jiangsu Jintian, and Zhejiang Jinlong announced that, effective May 10–12, prices for products including greyboard, high-strength corrugated paper, recycled paper, and white-top kraft linerboard would increase by 50 RMB per ton. Dongguan Jianhui Paper also plans to implement a phased price increase for its kraft linerboard and corrugating medium between May 17 and May 20.

Regarding wastepaper—a key raw material—Jiangsu Taicang Nine Dragons Paper raised its procurement price for Grade A containerboard by 20 RMB per ton, bringing it to 1,670 RMB per ton; this move further intensified cost-side pressures on paper manufacturers. Market analysts note that the collective price hikes by paper companies are primarily driven by rising costs for raw materials—specifically wastepaper—and chemical auxiliaries. Concurrently, a seasonal uptick in demand from downstream packaging sectors has provided additional support for these price increases.

Overall, the current round of paper price hikes is underpinned by both the pass-through of rising costs and a solid foundation of market demand; consequently, paper prices are expected to maintain a relatively strong upward trajectory in the short term.

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