SunSirs: Small Decrease in China Wastepaper, Short-term Narrow Fluctuations

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of SunSirs, the price of wastepaper remained stable with small fluctuations last week, but slightly decreased. On February 6, 2026, the average purchase price of A-grade waste yellow cardboard in Zhejiang Province was 1,588 RMB/ton, a decrease of 0.25% compared to the average price on February 1.

On the supply side: In February, due to the impact of the Spring Festival holiday, the overall market sentiment was slightly bearish. Most packaging stations plan to clear their inventory before the Spring Festival, so their shipping intentions are more positive. This has led to an increase in the amount of wastepaper received by paper companies and an increase in inventory. Some paper mills have lowered the price of wastepaper to alleviate the pressure of high wastepaper inventory.

On the demand side: Currently, paper mills and end markets are basically in a state of preparation for the Spring Festival holiday shutdown. With the policy of leading paper mills shutting down for maintenance being gradually released, they need to reserve sufficient wastepaper inventory to meet production needs during the holiday and after the year. Some paper mills have appropriately lowered their purchase prices to stimulate packaging station shipments, resulting in a weak and declining trend in the price of waste yellow cardboard.

Regarding corrugated paper: Last week, the price of corrugated paper remained stable. On February 6th, the average ex factory price of 140g corrugated base paper was 2,680 RMB/ton, which remained stable compared to the average price on February 1st. As the Spring Festival approaches, paper mills and downstream packaging companies have arranged for shutdowns and holidays last week, and the market trading atmosphere has gradually weakened. Therefore, the price of corrugated paper remained stable before the holiday. Due to the fact that large-scale paper companies have already announced price increases after the Spring Festival, it continues to boost market confidence and stimulate downstream packaging companies to replenish inventory before the holiday.

The paper analyst from SunSirs believes that the current operating load rate of paper companies has decreased, and their intention to purchase waste yellow cardboard has weakened. Before the corrugated paper festival, paper companies are still actively reducing inventory. Under the disturbance of the Spring Festival, both markets are in a weak supply-demand pattern, and it is expected that the short-term price of wastepaper may show a narrow fluctuation pattern.

If you have any enquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.