HengChang Paper, the largest toilet paper distributor in Nanchang, has reduced prices slightly after a modest drop in raw material costs, highlighting how industry-specific cycles continue to shape local paper product pricing.
According to the company, the cost of pulp—a key material in paper production—has recently decreased from 7,000 to 6,900 yuan per ton, marking a subtle shift in input costs.
Deng, owner of HengChang Paper, explained: “This is a common trend in the paper industry. After the Chinese New Year, there’s always a period of heightened demand, so prices in March usually see a brief uptick. But as April arrives, companies start clearing out inventory, and orders slow down. Despite many manufacturers issuing price increase notices, the reality is that prices often go down due to sales pressure on paper mills.”
As for the future outlook of raw material pricing, Deng remains cautious but realistic: “Although prices have dipped slightly in the short term, they’ll eventually rise again—it’s just a matter of time.”
China’s paper market is largely dominated by four major conglomerates, including Asia Pulp & Paper and Yadu Group. Deng pointed out that these giants often act in unison to influence market trends: “Any opportunity—whether it’s an earthquake or a distant war—is enough for them to push prices higher, regardless of whether it truly affects the cost of raw materials.”
With market dynamics tightly controlled and seasonal patterns firmly in place, industry insiders and consumers alike remain watchful for the next shift in the pricing cycle.
