Core Viewpoint - The white card paper industry is experiencing a price increase due to operational pressures and anticipated seasonal demand, following a trend of price declines earlier in the year [1][3][6]. Price Increase Announcement - Six major white card paper companies announced a price increase of 100 yuan/ton effective September 1, 2025, following previous price adjustments earlier in the year [1][2]. - This marks the third price increase notification for white card paper in 2025 [2]. Reasons for Price Increase - The price adjustments are attributed to rising operational costs and a recovery in demand, particularly as the traditional demand season approaches [3][6]. - APP (China) cited the need to maintain normal operations and product quality as a reason for the price hike, while Nine Dragons Paper pointed to improving market demand [3][6]. Market Conditions - The white card paper market has been under pressure, with prices at a low point for the year and theoretical profitability in a negative state [1][6]. - The overall performance of the paper industry has been declining, with only 6 out of 20 listed paper companies reporting profit growth in the first half of 2025 [1][6]. Impact of Corrugated Paper Prices - The increase in white card paper prices is influenced by the rising prices of corrugated paper, which saw significant price hikes in August due to increased raw material costs [4][6]. - The average gross margin for the corrugated paper industry improved slightly in August, indicating a potential positive trend for the overall paper market [4]. Future Outlook - The sustainability of the price increase remains uncertain, as the market is still expanding, and demand recovery is crucial for the success of the price hikes [7]. - Analysts suggest that if demand does not improve, there may be downward pressure on prices, with expectations of a potential decline of 0.15% to 0.53% in average prices for September compared to August [7].

Core Viewpoint - The white card paper market is experiencing a price increase due to operational pressures and an anticipated demand recovery, following a period of price decline and industry losses [1][7][8]. Group 1: Price Adjustments - Six major white card paper companies announced a price increase of 100 yuan/ton effective September 1, 2025, following previous price hikes earlier in the year [1][2]. - This marks the third price adjustment for white card paper in 2025, with earlier increases attributed to rising operational costs and a need to align prices with actual usage value [2][8]. - The price of corrugated paper has also risen significantly, with increases ranging from 130 to 260 yuan/ton since August, driven by higher raw material costs [4]. Group 2: Market Conditions - The white card paper market has been under pressure, with theoretical profitability in the industry being negative, leading to operational challenges for companies [1][7]. - Demand is expected to increase due to seasonal factors, including upcoming holidays and specific orders, which may help alleviate supply-demand imbalances [3][8]. - The overall performance of the paper industry has been poor, with only 6 out of 20 listed companies reporting profit growth in the first half of 2025, while others faced significant declines [1][7]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The success of the recent price increases will depend on the improvement of market demand and the willingness of downstream buyers to accept higher prices [8]. - Despite rising costs supporting price increases, demand remains weak, leading to cautious market sentiment and potential downward pressure on prices [8].