Summary of Key Developments in the Global and Vietnamese Paper Industry in 2025

Global Overview

1. Large-scale M&A wave significantly reshaped global pulp and paper trade flows

In 2025, a wave of large-scale mergers and acquisitions (M&A) significantly reshaped global pulp and paper trade flows. The packaging paper segment was the most affected, with M&A activities concentrated primarily in North America and Europe.

2. The international recovered paper market experienced an unprecedented “price storm”

Throughout 2025, the global OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) and mixed paper markets went through an unprecedented “price storm,” marked by extreme volatility.

3. 2025 marked a surge of stricter global packaging recycling regulations and policies

The year 2025 represented a major turning point with the introduction of increasingly stringent global regulations and policies on packaging recycling. 

4. Global printing and writing paper continued its sharp decline

The global printing and writing paper industry experienced its most severe downturn in history.

5. India, Southeast Asia, and South America emerged as alternatives to China   

In 2025, amid escalating US–China trade tensions, India, Southeast Asia, and South America increasingly emerged as alternative production and supply hubs to China.    

 

Vietnam Market 

1. More than 200 paper mills in Bac Ninh craft village clusters shut down

In the Phong Khe and Phong Khe II industrial clusters, more than 200 paper manufacturing facilities were forced to suspend operations from early 2025.  

2. Domestic recovered paper prices surged sharply

Domestic recovered paper prices rose significantly, reaching a peak in September 2025. 

3. Diversification of import–export partners in the printing and writing paper sector

The printing and writing paper industry proactively diversified its import and export partners.

4. Domestic consumption of containerboard rolls declined sharply 

Consumption of containerboard rolls declined during the first half of the year, followed by a recovery toward the end of 2025.  

5. Tissue jumbo roll supply recovered rapidly in 2025

The supply of tissue jumbo rolls recovered quickly, with a clear trend toward 100% recycled technology. 

 

Source: thitruonggiay.com