Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-06-11 01:16Industry Overview - Coated paper, also known as printing coated paper, is produced by applying a layer of white coating on the surface of base paper and processing it through super calendering. It is characterized by a smooth surface, high whiteness, and excellent ink absorption, making it suitable for high-end publications, advertisements, and packaging [1][2][5]. Supply Side - In recent years, the demand growth for coated paper in China has slowed due to the influence of short videos and electronic media. Consequently, the new production capacity in the domestic coated paper industry has been limited, maintaining a relatively stable capacity scale of approximately 7.04 million tons by the end of 2024 [7][9]. Production Trends - The production of coated paper in China has shown a steady increase, with total annual production rising from 6.2 million tons in 2022 to 6.8 million tons in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of 7.94% [9]. Consumption Trends - Coated paper is primarily used in high-quality printing products, with the market share for catalogs and single-page products accounting for 30%, and educational materials making up 24%. Despite a decline in overall consumption due to digital media, the market is expected to recover, with a projected annual consumption of 5.12 million tons in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.02% [11]. Import and Export Dynamics - China's coated paper industry has a strong supply capacity, leading to a consistent export market that exceeds imports. The import volume has decreased to 170,000 tons in 2023 but is expected to recover to 220,000 tons in 2024. Exports have significantly increased from 560,000 tons in 2021 to 1.9 million tons in 2024 due to enhanced supply capabilities and market demand recovery [13]. Competitive Landscape - The coated paper market in China is highly concentrated, with major players like Gold East Paper, Chenming Paper, Sun Paper, and Huatai Paper dominating the market. These companies leverage scale advantages, integrated supply chains, and technological innovations to maintain significant market shares, with the top four companies accounting for 87.1% of the market [15][16]. Key Enterprises - Major companies in the coated paper industry include: - Huatai Paper: Leading in newsprint production with the largest single factory globally [16]. - Sun Paper: A significant supplier of various paper products, including coated paper, with a revenue of 40.73 billion yuan in 2024, up 2.99% year-on-year [18]. - Chenming Paper: A large enterprise group with a diverse product range, including high-end coated paper [16]. Development Trends - The industry is moving towards green production, driven by stricter environmental regulations. Companies are adopting low-energy, low-pollution production processes and focusing on recycling technologies to enhance efficiency [20]. - Digital printing technology is reshaping the competitive landscape, offering advantages in short-run printing and customization, while traditional coated paper remains essential for high-end applications [21][22]. - Market segmentation and differentiation are intensifying, with a growing demand for high-quality and functional coated paper products. Companies are expected to enhance brand building and provide customized solutions to meet diverse consumer needs [23].