Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Cardboard Price Trend Analysis 2026: Market Insights, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis, Latest News & Price Drivers
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Cardboard Latest Prices Q3 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | China | EXW | USD 611.60/MT | July 2026 |
| Cardboard | USA | CIF | USD 799.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Cardboard | Germany | CIF | USD 746.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Cardboard | Australia | CIF | USD 710.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Cardboard | Brazil | CIF | USD 784.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Cardboard | China | EXW | USD 615.00/MT | June 2026 |
| Cardboard | USA | CIF | USD 812.86/MT | June 2026 |
| Cardboard | Germany | CIF | USD 811.24/MT | June 2026 |
| Cardboard | Australia | CIF | USD 678.54/MT | June 2026 |
| Cardboard | Brazil | CIF | USD 859.21/MT | June 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Cardboard prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Cardboard Price Trend Q2 2026
- Global cardboard prices trended higher through Q2'26 as producers pushed multiple price-increase rounds despite softer underlying order volumes.
- Feedstock effect: tightening recovered fiber and virgin pulp supply, plus permanent mill capacity closures, squeezed linerboard and containerboard availability across North America.
- Downstream demand stayed soft, US containerboard production fell 8% y/y in Q1'26, yet producers pushed hikes through as tight capacity outweighed muted orders.
The average price of cardboard in the Chinese markets was around 615 USD/MT (EXW) in the last month of Q2'26. During the quarter, domestic manufacturers raised prices for both white and corrugated varieties, which kept the market in the slightly higher level. In the United States, the monthly average cardboard price was approx. 813 USD/MT (CIF) in June, where mills used shrinking capacity, roughly 10% of North American containerboard capacity was permanently retired in 2025, to keep pushing price-increase letters through; thinner supply, not stronger orders, did the work of holding prices up, and order backlogs lengthened as buyers booked ahead to secure material. Germany followed a similar path, averaging 811 USD/MT (CIF) in the last month of the quarter, as European mills passed rising energy and input costs straight into cardboard pricing while regional supply stayed tight. In the abovementioned regions, the converters and box manufacturers accepted the price increases to the extent as there was limited alternative available during the time, but softer end demand prevented aggressive pricing by the manufacturers.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, cardboard prices are likely to stay firm to modestly higher into Q3'26 as capacity remains tight, though any easing in mill supply could slow the pace of increases.
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- Global cardboard markets remained mixed during Q1’26 as weak industrial demand offset higher freight and energy costs linked to Middle East geopolitical disruptions.
- Feedstock sentiment stayed volatile due to fluctuating pulp, recycled paper, and transportation costs, while shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz increased packaging logistics expenses.
- Downstream demand from e-commerce, food packaging, and consumer goods sectors remained moderate, although cautious procurement and sufficient inventories limited stronger price momentum.
Global cardboard prices witnessed range-bound to slightly firm movements during Q1’26. In Asia, the market initially softened due to slower post-holiday manufacturing activity and weaker export packaging demand in China. However, freight inflation, vessel rerouting, and higher insurance costs linked to the Iran conflict increased regional logistics expenses later in the quarter, supporting prices. China’s paper and paperboard output continued to remain substantial according to official industrial statistics, ensuring adequate supply availability across the domestic market. In Europe, subdued industrial production and weak packaging demand from manufacturing sectors pressured sentiment, although elevated energy and transportation costs restricted sharper declines. Eurostat trade data showed continued paper and paperboard export activity across the European Union, which supported overall market movement despite cautious buying behaviour. In North America, cardboard demand from corrugated packaging, food delivery, and retail distribution sectors remained comparatively stable. The U.S. market maintained balanced supply conditions, while higher fuel and marine freight costs linked to global shipping disruptions increased operational expenses for packaging producers.
About Cardboard
Cardboard, a type of paperboard, is characterized by its lightweight yet sturdy construction, typically composed of multiple layers of compressed paper fibers. It is known for its versatility and affordability, making it widely used in packaging, printing, and crafting applications.
Cardboard comes in various grades and thicknesses, ranging from thin and flexible to thick and rigid, to suit different purposes. Its smooth surface provides an ideal substrate for printing, while its rigidity offers protection and support for packaged goods. Cardboard is valued for its eco-friendly properties, as it is recyclable and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for various industrial and commercial uses.
Cardboard Product Detail
Industrial Uses
Printing and graphics, Construction, Packaging
Supplier Database
TetraPak, International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc, RockTenn Co., Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Amcor , Mondi Group, Domtar
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Cardboard Production Process
- Cardboard Production from heavy-duty layered papers: In the initial phase, the paper pulp is processed and refined which is then spread evenly and pressed to give uniform paper sheets. The sheets are then dried and layered over each other to give heavy-duty paper sheets for cardboard. These heavy-duty layered paper sheets are then processed through folding, cutting, and shaping to give the required cardboard products.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
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Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
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