China's Wrapping Paper Import Falls Sharply to 46K Tons in September 2022

China Wrapping Papers Imports

In September 2022, the amount of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard imported into China reduced rapidly to 46K tons, declining by -23.6% on August 2022. In general, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in March 2022 with an increase of 33% m-o-m. Imports peaked at 60K tons in August 2022, and then dropped markedly in the following month.

In value terms, wrapping papers imports reduced markedly to $47M (IndexBox estimates) in September 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in March 2022 when imports increased by 42% m-o-m. Imports peaked at 60K tons in August 2022, and then fell rapidly in the following month.

Imports by Country

In September 2022, Russia (26K tons) constituted the largest wrapping papers supplier to China, with a 58% share of total imports. Moreover, wrapping papers imports from Russia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Japan (4.5K tons), sixfold. Sweden (3.3K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 7.1% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of volume from Russia amounted to +15.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average monthly rates of imports growth: Japan (-1.0% per month) and Sweden (-2.1% per month).

In value terms, Russia ($19M) constituted the largest supplier of wrapping papers to China, comprising 40% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($5.1M), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 10% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of value from Russia totaled +12.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average monthly rates of imports growth: Japan (-3.3% per month) and France (+17.1% per month).

Imports by Type

In September 2022, unbleached sack kraft paper, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (25K tons) constituted the largest type of wrapping papers supplied to China, with a 53% share of total imports. Moreover, unbleached sack kraft paper, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (8.8K tons), threefold. Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, bleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (4.6K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 10% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of the volume of import of unbleached sack kraft paper, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm totaled +12.9%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average monthly rates of growth were recorded: kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (-4.5% per month) and kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, bleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (-9.0% per month).

In value terms, unbleached sack kraft paper, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($18M) constituted the largest type of wrapping papers supplied to China, comprising 38% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 ($7.6M), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by sack kraft paper, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm, with a 15% share.

Import Prices by Country

In September 2022, the wrapping papers price stood at $1,023 per ton (CIF, China), with an increase of 2.3% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in March 2022 when the average import price increased by 6.7% m-o-m. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $1,086 per ton. From April 2022 to September 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was France ($5,026 per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($422 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+11.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Wrapping Paper Market Overview

The wrapping paper market in China is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. A number of factors are driving this growth, including the increasing popularity of gift giving, the growing middle class, and the rise of e-commerce.

The popularity of gift giving is a major driver of the wrapping paper market in China. According to a recent survey, gift giving is on the rise in China, with nearly 60% of respondents saying they give gifts more often now than they did a few years ago. This increase in gift giving is likely to drive demand for wrapping paper.

The growing middle class is another factor driving the wrapping paper market in China. As incomes rise and living standards improve, people are increasingly looking for ways to show their status and wealth. Giving gifts wrapped in luxurious and expensive wrapping paper has become a popular way to do this.

Finally, the rise of e-commerce is also boosting the wrapping paper market in China. With more people shopping online, there is a growing need for packaging materials such as wrapping paper. E-commerce giants like Alibaba are investing heavily in packaging materials and logistics, which is helping to drive growth in the sector.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform