The effects of U.S. tariffs on China’s pulp and paper trade must be analyzed from two perspectives: exports (Chinese paper products to the U.S.) and imports (China’s procurement of pulp, wastepaper, and other raw materials from the U.S.).

I. Impact on Exports (Obstacles for Chinese Paper Products Entering the U.S.

1. Expanding Tariff Coverage and High Rates

– Tariffs now cover most paper products (e.g., printing paper, packaging paper, tissue paper), with rates reaching 104%, effectively halting or severely restricting Sino-U.S. trade in this sector.

2. Declining Export Competitiveness

– Rising tariffs increase costs for Chinese exporters, eroding their price advantage. U.S. importers may shift to suppliers in Canada, Brazil, or Southeast Asia, but since the U.S. has also imposed tariffs on other major trade partners, alternative sourcing remains uncertain.

3. Restructuring Exports Toward High-Value Products

– Specialty papers (e.g., medical-grade paper, food-safe packaging) face relatively smaller tariff impacts due to their higher technical barriers.

II. Impact on Imports (China’s Pulp Supply)

1. Low Dependence on U.S. Pulp

– China primarily imports pulp from Brazil, Canada, and Chile, with the U.S. accounting for less than 5% of supply. Thus, U.S. tariffs have minimal impact on China’s pulp imports.

2. Diversified Pulp Sourcing

– Chinese firms have accelerated overseas pulp capacity investments, such as Sun Paper’s mill in Laos and Asia Symbol’s forestry investments in Brazil, reducing reliance on any single country.disposable tableware

Conclusion

The U.S. tariff hikes present a “pressure on exports, manageable imports” scenario for China’s pulp and paper industry:
- Exports: Short-term setbacks in U.S. paper product trade, mitigated by overseas production and market diversification.
- Imports: Pulp supply remains stable, though domestic wastepaper bans and environmental policies pose deeper challenges.

Future competitiveness will hinge on green technology breakthroughs, full supply chain control, and penetration into emerging markets. (The above views are for reference only and not investment advice.)

Reprinted from China Paper Information Network. Contact for removal if infringing.