Core Viewpoint - The import wood pulp market is expected to experience a strong performance before the Spring Festival in early 2026, driven by cost pressures and limited supply growth, but will likely face downward pressure post-holiday due to weak demand and low profitability in the paper industry [3][10]. Group 1: Price Trends - In Q4 2025, the import wood pulp market showed a general upward trend, particularly for broadleaf pulp, driven by cost pressures from external markets [3][15]. - As of December 31, 2025, the average price for imported broadleaf pulp was 4627.63 CNY/ton, up 385.26 CNY/ton (9.08%) from September 30, 2025 [4][15]. - The average price for imported needle pulp was 5577.32 CNY/ton, up 37.86 CNY/ton (0.68%), while other pulp types showed smaller increases [4][15]. Group 2: Supply Dynamics - The supply growth rate for wood pulp is expected to slow down in Q1 2026, with domestic production increasing by only 1.26% and imports projected to decline by 6.34% [7][19]. - The overall wood pulp supply is expected to grow by 3.41% in Q1 2026, but this growth is significantly reduced compared to previous periods [19]. Group 3: Demand Factors - The total demand for wood pulp is anticipated to decrease by approximately 10.36% in Q1 2026, primarily due to new production capacities coming online late in the quarter and maintenance shutdowns during the Spring Festival [8][20]. - The profitability of the paper industry is mixed, with cultural paper companies adopting discount strategies, while white card and life paper sectors may see slight improvements in margins due to seasonal demand [20]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The overall market for imported wood pulp is expected to show a pattern of rising prices followed by a decline, influenced by seasonal factors and cost increases from external markets [10][21]. - Specific price forecasts for Q1 2026 include needle pulp at 5582.00 CNY/ton, broadleaf pulp at 4643.33 CNY/ton, and chemical pulp at 3855.33 CNY/ton, with varying adjustments from Q4 2025 [21].