China's paper industry sales up 23.3% in first half 2007

Oct 18, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. China's paper industry from January through May 2007 generated sales income of CNY 138.7 billion ($18.5 billion), up by 23.3% over the same period in 2006, according to a China Paper Online news report. Those figures translated into CNY 6.4 billion ($852 million) of profit, up by 41.0% from 2006. According to the report, the import/export market performed in a similar manner as in 2006, with an increase in pulp imports and a decline in imports of paper and paperboard. From January to May 2007, pulp imports totaled 4.9 million metric tonnes, up 4.4% over 2006 figures, while imports of paper and paperboard were 2.1 million metric tonnes, down by 4.4%. Export of paper and paperboard was 1.8 million metric tonnes, up by 46.3%. Export of paper and paperboard, particular newsprint, is expected to increase greatly, the report said. Pricing For the first half of the year, pulp prices have stayed relatively high, but China Paper Online says it expects prices may come down towards the end of the year as more pulp comes into the market. In 2007, prices of most paper grades increased, with fine paper, SBS and newsprint the most likely to see a continued upswing in price, the report said.