Paper Board Price Index

Paper Board Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical paper board prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Paper Board Prices September 2025

Paper Board Price Index (USD/KG): 

The chart below highlights monthly paper board prices across different regions.

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Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Northeast Asia: A key factor was softer demand from downstream packaging sectors, especially in export‑oriented manufacturing hubs facing weak global orders. On the supply side, several mills in China and South Korea ran with stable or higher utilization to clear inventories, leading to increased throughput and some competitive pricing. Input costs, especially pulp and energy, remained relatively stable, which limited the upward cost push. However, logistics costs, port handling, and inland transport in regions like Japan and coastal China saw mild volatility due to congestion and shipping rate fluctuations, which created some localized cost burdens.

Europe: Europe’s paperboard pricing showed resilience, with an upward movement. Demand in key markets remained firm, sustained by stable consumption in the packaging, FMCG, and retail sectors. Many European brand owners continued to lean into higher‑quality folded cartonboard and coated grades, supporting premium pricing. On the supply side, pulp and recovered fiber costs increased somewhat due to tighter recycling availability and energy cost pressures, which fed into higher base costs. European mills also faced increases in electricity and gas costs, reflecting broader regional energy volatility, which constrained margin flexibility. Moreover, import competition from regions with lower cost structures was partly constrained by transportation costs and customs duties, giving local mills some pricing leverage.

India: India’s paperboard prices rose, reflecting robust domestic demand in e‑commerce packaging, FMCG secondary packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors. The demand side remained healthy as Indian consumers and retail expansion continued apace. On the supply side, some mills faced moderating raw material availability, pushing procurement costs upward. Energy and labor costs also rose during the quarter, compressing margins and pushing end prices. Domestically, logistics and inland freight costs (road, rail) also increased due to fuel inflation and constrained capacity, adding to cost pressure. Import duties and trade policy acted as partial price support for domestic producers. Currency depreciation pressures in some months added to import cost volatility for those mills reliant on imported pulp or chemicals.

Southeast Asia: Countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia saw renewed pickup in exports, food and beverage packaging demand, and e‑commerce logistics packaging. On the supply side, fiber and pulp imports faced shipping cost inflation, port handling surcharges, and occasional congestion delays, pushing input costs upward. Local mills often passed these increases downstream. Energy and chemical costs in Southeast Asia also trended upward, adding pressure. Moreover, some mills operated at constrained capacity due to scheduled maintenance or disruptions, limiting available supply. Several governments in the region also began encouraging local value addition of packaging, which reduced reliance on imports and supported stronger local pricing.

North America: North America experienced weakening paperboard prices, as reflected in the drop in September. Demand from e‑commerce and retail packaging softened compared to earlier quarters, partly due to high inflation and weaker consumer spending. Supply remained ample, with mills in the US and Canada operating at stable capacity and maintaining inventories. Recycled fiber costs declined in parts of 2025, relaxing cost pressures for paperboard producers, which gave a margin cushion. Some producers offered discounts or promotional pricing to maintain volumes in a sluggish demand environment. Transportation and logistics costs also eased slightly in some corridors, enabling cost pass‑throughs to soften price levels.

Paper Board Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Paper Board Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the paperboard market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of paper board at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed paperboard prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting paperboard pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Paper Board Industry Analysis

The global paper board industry size reached USD 177.30 Billion in 2024. By 2033, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 263.53 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.10% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the rising e‑commerce and packaging demand, stricter regulatory push for sustainable and recyclable materials, growing demand from food, pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors, continuous innovation in specialty and barrier paperboard technologies, and increasing consumer preference for eco‑friendly packaging.

Latest developments in the Paper Board Industry:

• January 2025: International Paper received regulatory approval to acquire DS Smith in a landmark US–UK all-share transaction valued at approximately $7.2 billion. International Paper is seeking to boost its European presence in the paper and packaging sector.
   
• September 2024: Colpac launched its new Stagione Light product line, featuring lightweight, leak-resistant paperboard containers for food service applications. Made from FSC-certified, recyclable board, the single-piece packs include a grease-resistant barrier and are suitable for both hot and chilled foods. Designed to meet growing demand for sustainable, functional packaging in retail and takeaway sectors, the Stagione Light range offers enhanced shelf efficiency and end-user convenience.

Product Description

Paper Board is a thick, stiff paper-based substrate (typically 200–600 gsm) used as a structural board for cartons, packaging, displays, and rigid containers. It is positioned between paper and fiberboard in the global consumption hierarchy, valued for its balance of lightweight strength, printability, and recyclability. Paper Board finds widespread use in consumer packaging, point-of-sale displays, book covers, and rigid packaging. Its key defining attributes include stiffness, bending resistance, smooth printable surface, and dimensional stability. In usage, brands adopt paperboard to enhance consumer appeal through high-quality graphics while delivering structural integrity and environmentally friendly packaging performance, replacing plastics or heavier fiberboard solutions.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of paper board pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of FOB and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting paper board price trend, including input costs, supply-demand shifts, and geopolitical impacts, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The paper board price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.