Core Viewpoint - The packaging paper industry is experiencing a price increase, with major companies like Nine Dragons Paper and Lee & Man Paper announcing a price hike of 30 yuan/ton for corrugated paper and recycled kraft paper starting August 1, driven by rising raw material costs and tightening supply [1][2]. Group 1: Price Trends - July has seen the fourth round of price increases in the paper industry, with a consistent rise in various types of raw paper prices, each time by 30 yuan/ton [1]. - As of July 21, the market price for waste yellow board paper reached 1475 yuan/ton, an increase of 15 yuan/ton compared to June 30 [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The increase in waste yellow board paper prices is attributed to overall limited supply and heavy rainfall affecting local waste paper trading, leading to a decrease in market supply [2]. - Major paper companies have been steadily raising their procurement prices for waste yellow board paper, which has contributed to a bullish sentiment in the waste paper market and provided cost support for finished paper price increases [2]. Group 3: Industry Performance - In the first half of the year, the corrugated and box board paper markets continued to experience a supply-demand imbalance, with average prices declining: corrugated paper at 2682 yuan/ton (down 2.44% year-on-year) and box board paper at 3616 yuan/ton (down 3.42% year-on-year) [3]. - The gross profit margins for the corrugated paper industry and box board paper industry were 9.97% and 18.96%, respectively, both showing a decline compared to the previous year [3]. - The overall profitability of the industry remains under pressure due to the supply exceeding demand, with expectations of a price recovery in the second half of the year, although it may not fully offset the declines seen in the first half [3].