Investment Rating - The report rates the paper industry as "Overweight" [6] Core Views - In July, the decline in pulp and paper prices slowed, with expectations for a rebound in pulp prices and stabilization in white paper prices, while black paper prices continued to rise [2] Summary by Sections Cultural Paper - Prices for cultural paper have been declining, with the average market price for 70g high white double glue paper at 5094 CNY/ton, down 1.11% month-on-month and 9.34% year-on-year [10][23] - Supply and demand remain imbalanced, with production recovering but overall demand still weak [13][10] - Profitability is stable as both prices and costs are declining, with the average theoretical gross margin at 1.59% [23] White Cardboard - Prices continue to decline due to weak seasonal demand, with the average market price for 250-400g white cardboard at 4036 CNY/ton, down 1.25% month-on-month and 9.02% year-on-year [24] - The supply-demand gap is expected to widen, putting further pressure on prices [27] - Profit margins are decreasing as the price drop exceeds the cost drop, with gross margins declining [39] Boxboard - Prices for boxboard have shown mixed trends, with the average price at 3449 CNY/ton, down 1.49% month-on-month [42] - Demand is expected to recover in August, alleviating some supply pressure [46] - Profitability remains low as the price drop is greater than the cost drop [11] Waste Paper - The supply of waste paper is tight, leading to a gradual increase in prices [12] Wood Chips - Import volumes have increased month-on-month, with overall demand stabilizing [14] Wood Pulp - External prices are stabilizing, but the supply-demand imbalance persists, with average prices for imported hardwood pulp at 490 USD/ton [15][6]

Group 1 - The "Lucky 6666" vessel, carrying 38,000 cubic meters of wood chips, is unloading at Zhangzhou Port, which is the largest timber distribution center in Southeast China [3] - In the first half of this year, Zhangzhou Port has imported 1.6185 million cubic meters of wood chips, representing a year-on-year increase of 177.34% [3] - The Zhangzhou border inspection station has implemented measures to streamline customs procedures, reducing average processing time by 40% and saving over 33 million yuan in customs costs for enterprises in 2024 [3][4] Group 2 - The wood chip import business has significantly boosted the local timber industry, which is becoming an important source of income for Zhangzhou [4] - The logistics system at Zhangzhou Port allows for efficient transportation of raw wood to local processing facilities, where it is transformed into various paper products [4]

Group 1 - The Rizhao Port in Shandong is a key node in the New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor and an important hub for the Belt and Road Initiative [2] - The port has over 90 berths for various types of cargo including minerals, containers, grains, wood chips, crude oil, and liquefied gas, making it a significant base for energy and bulk raw material transshipment as well as a grain import port [2] - The port's operations include the unloading of timber from cargo ships using automated unloading machines, showcasing advancements in port logistics [6][10] Group 2 - The port area features organized storage of various types of timber, indicating efficient management and logistics capabilities [4] - A cargo ship loaded with iron ore from Africa is currently docked at berth 17, highlighting the port's role in international trade [12][14] - The presence of wind turbines in the background suggests a commitment to sustainable energy practices in the port operations [2]