Recycled Fluting Price Trend and Forecast

Recycled Fluting Price Trend Q1 2025

According to Price-Watch™, In Q1 2025 prices have been correcting downward by 3% compared to Q4 2024, as the market has been entering a post-holiday normalization phase. After peak festive shipments, corrugated box demand has been easing across retail and electronics sectors. E-commerce volumes have been stabilizing at moderate levels.

Recovered paper availability has been improving with stronger collection rates following year-end consumption. Mills have been adjusting production schedules to prevent inventory buildup. Export orders have been steady but cautious, as buyers have been reducing procurement following earlier stock accumulation.

Energy prices have been relatively stable, limiting significant cost volatility. Industrial packaging demand has been moderate due to measured economic activity. Overall, the scenario has been reflecting seasonal correction rather than structural weakness, with balanced supply conditions contributing to moderate price softening.

Recycled Fluting Price Trend Q2 2025

According to Price-Watch™, In Q2 2025 prices have been declining by 6% compared to Q1 2025, indicating broader market softness. Global manufacturing activity has been expanding slowly, limiting industrial packaging growth.

Agricultural exports have been stable but not exceptionally strong, reducing incremental corrugated demand. Recovered fiber prices have been softening due to ample supply and cautious mill buying.

Export competition among Asian and European suppliers has been intensifying, increasing pricing pressure in international markets. Freight costs have been manageable, reducing cost support. Buyers have been continuing conservative procurement strategies, avoiding long-term commitments.

Mills have been maintaining disciplined output to manage inventories, but demand momentum has not been sufficient to sustain earlier pricing levels. Overall, the global scenario has been reflecting subdued consumption growth and comfortable raw material supply, resulting in noticeable quarter-on-quarter decline.

Recycled Fluting Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, prices have been rebounding by 6% compared to Q2 2025, driven by seasonal and export-led recovery. Agricultural harvest cycles across Asia, Europe, and Latin America have been increasing corrugated packaging consumption.

E-commerce and retail sectors have been ramping up inventory ahead of promotional sales events. Recovered paper supply has been tightening slightly due to logistical disruptions and higher buying activity. Energy costs have been stable but supportive of gradual price firming. Export orders to emerging markets have been strengthening, supporting shipment volumes.

Buyers have been rebuilding inventories after earlier conservative purchasing. Mills have been operating at healthier utilization rates, reducing surplus availability. Overall, the market has been regaining strength on the back of seasonal end-use demand and improved trade flows, resulting in solid quarter-on-quarter price recovery.

India: Recycled Fluting export Prices FOB Nhava Sheva, India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, FOB Nhava Sheva prices have been rebounding by 3% compared to Q2 2025. The prices of recycled fluting prices have been ranging between 375-390 USD per MT. Seasonal agricultural harvests in India have been increasing domestic corrugated box consumption, particularly for food exports.

E-commerce platforms have been ramping up inventory dispatches ahead of festive sales events, strengthening packaging demand. Export inquiries from Africa and the Middle East have been improving as consumer goods trade has been expanding. Recovered paper supply has been tightening slightly due to logistical challenges during the monsoon season, supporting firmer input costs.

Energy prices have shown mild fluctuations, contributing to cautious upward adjustments in mill offers. Buyers have been securing volumes ahead of anticipated peak shipments. On month on month basis price chart in September 2025 has been witnessing almost 1% decrease when compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been regaining momentum, supported by seasonal demand growth and moderately firm raw material costs.

United Arab Emirates: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting prices have been averaging between USD 395-410 per metric ton, reflecting a stable 0% change compared to Q2 2025. The market has been stabilizing as steady procurement from UAE-based corrugated box manufacturers has been supporting consistent trade flows from India.

Demand from FMCG packaging, beverage cartons, fresh produce trays, and expanding e-commerce distribution networks has been maintaining regular order volumes during the late summer period. Re-export activity through Jebel Ali has been contributing to sustained packaging consumption across Gulf and African markets.

Upstream, recovered waste paper prices in India have been remaining stable, while ocean freight rates to the UAE have been showing minimal volatility, preventing CIF cost fluctuations. Indian mills have been operating at balanced capacity levels to maintain supply discipline and protect margins.

On a month-on-month basis, prices have been softening slightly toward the end of September by 1%, due to cautious buyer sentiment. Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions and stable regional trade momentum.

Malaysia: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Kelang, Malaysia from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting imported prices on a CIF Port Klang basis have been averaging between USD 410–430 per MT, reflecting a extremely stable movement of 0% compared to Q2 2025.

The market has been maintaining equilibrium as Malaysian corrugated box manufacturers have been sustaining steady procurement to support FMCG packaging, processed food cartons, electronics exports, and growing e-commerce distribution.

Demand linked to regional trade within Southeast Asia has been consistent, particularly for consumer goods and industrial components. Indian exporters have been maintaining regular shipment schedules, while recovered fiber costs in India have been relatively stable, preventing major cost-driven volatility.

Ocean freight from western India to Malaysia has been predictable, contributing to stable CIF valuations. Mills have been operating at balanced capacity levels to avoid excessive supply. On a month on month basis, prices have been moving within a narrow decrease of nearly 1% in September 2025 compared to August 2025, reflecting cautious but steady buying sentiment. Overall, the market has been demonstrating balanced supply-demand dynamics and controlled trading conditions.

Oman: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Sohar, Oman from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting prices on a CIF Sohar basis have been averaging between USD 405–430 per MT, reflecting a slight 1% decline compared to Q2 2025. The Omani market has been experiencing moderate demand from packaging manufacturers serving the food processing, construction, and logistics sectors, which have been steady but cautious amid ongoing economic diversification efforts.

Seasonal demand linked to summer trade activity and re-export shipments through Sohar Port has been supporting consistent imports from India. Indian mills have been maintaining stable recovered fiber costs, while ocean freight rates to Oman have been relatively steady, preventing significant CIF price fluctuations.

However, competition from regional suppliers, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has been putting mild downward pressure on pricing. Buyers in Oman have been exercising prudent inventory management, avoiding excess stock amid modest growth projections.

On a month on month basis the price trend has been indicating a dip of around 1% in September 2025 compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics with moderate softness in prices, aligned with cautious buying sentiment and regional trade patterns.

China: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Shanghai, China from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

According to Price-Watch™, in Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting prices on a CIF Shanghai basis have been averaging between USD 395–410 per MT, reflecting around 4% increase compared to Q2 2025. The Chinese market has been strengthening as corrugated packaging demand has been improving ahead of peak export manufacturing cycles and major e-commerce events.

Downstream sectors such as consumer electronics, household appliances, FMCG, and cross-border e-commerce shipments have been increasing box consumption during late summer. Seasonal restocking by Chinese converters has been supporting higher import volumes from India, particularly as domestic recycled fiber availability has been fluctuating due to collection variability.

Ocean freight rates on the India–China route have been stable, preventing excessive CIF volatility. Indian suppliers have been benefiting from competitive pricing and steady production costs.

Mills in China have been operating cautiously to balance inventories. On a month on month basis the price trend has been indicating a dip of around 1% in September 2025 compared to August 2025.

Overall, the market has been reflecting firmer demand momentum, improved buying sentiment, and tighter near-term availability, resulting in a noticeable quarter-on-quarter price recovery.

Poland: Recycled Fluting Export Prices FOB Gdynia, Poland; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting export prices on an FOB Gdynia basis have been averaging between USD 385–410 per MT, reflecting a 5% increase compared to Q2 2025. The European market has been recovering from earlier softness as corrugated packaging demand has been improving across Germany, Central Europe, and the Baltic states.

Seasonal restocking by box manufacturers has been supporting procurement ahead of late-summer retail shipments and agricultural exports, particularly for fresh produce, processed foods, and FMCG goods.

Recovered paper prices across Europe have been firming slightly due to tighter collection volumes during the summer holiday period, increasing input costs for Polish mills. Energy markets have been relatively stable but remain structurally high, influencing production economics.

Export inquiries from neighboring European markets have been steady. On a month on month basis, prices have been strengthening through July and August 2025 before witnessing a dip of around 4% in September 2025 compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting improved demand momentum and controlled mill operating rates, supporting quarter-on-quarter price gains.

Germany: Recycled Fluting Export Prices FOB Hamburg, Germany; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting export prices on an FOB Hamburg basis have been averaging between USD 375–400 per MT, reflecting a 6% increase compared to Q2 2025. The German and broader European packaging markets have been showing recovery momentum after earlier demand weakness, particularly across FMCG, processed food, beverage trays, and industrial goods packaging.

Seasonal restocking by corrugated converters has been supporting higher mill order books ahead of late-summer retail flows and agricultural exports within the EU. Recovered paper prices in Germany have been firming slightly due to tighter collection volumes during the holiday season, raising input costs for containerboard producers.

Energy markets have been relatively stable but remain structurally elevated, influencing operating margins. Export demand from neighboring European countries and select Mediterranean markets has been improving moderately.

On a month-on-month basis, price trend have been showing a decrease of around 4% in September 2025 compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting disciplined mill supply, gradual demand recovery, and improved export inquiries, supporting the quarter-on-quarter increase.

UK: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Southampton, UK; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting export prices on an FD Barcelona basis have been averaging between USD 400-425 per metric ton, reflecting a 7% increase compared to Q2 2025. The Spanish and broader Southern European packaging markets have been strengthening as seasonal demand has been improving across FMCG, fresh produce exports, beverage trays, and processed food packaging.

Spain’s strong agricultural export season during late summer has been supporting corrugated box consumption, particularly for fruits and vegetables shipped across Europe. Restocking activity by converters has been increasing after earlier cautious procurement in Q2.

Recovered paper prices in Spain have been firming slightly due to tighter collection during holiday months, raising input costs for mills. Energy prices have been relatively stable, providing some cost predictability. Export demand to North Africa and Mediterranean markets has been improving moderately.

On a month-on-month basis, prices have been decreasing in September by 3% compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting firmer demand momentum and improved mill order books, supporting the quarter-on-quarter increase.

Spain: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Barcelona, Spain; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting export prices on an FD Barcelona basis have been averaging between USD 410-430 per metric ton, reflecting a 7% increase compared to Q2 2025. The Spanish and broader Southern European packaging markets have been strengthening as seasonal demand has been improving across FMCG, fresh produce exports, beverage trays, and processed food packaging.

Spain’s strong agricultural export season during late summer has been supporting corrugated box consumption, particularly for fruits and vegetables shipped across Europe. Restocking activity by converters has been increasing after earlier cautious procurement in Q2. Recovered paper prices in Spain have been firming slightly due to tighter collection during holiday months, raising input costs for mills.

Energy prices have been relatively stable, providing some cost predictability. Export demand to North Africa and Mediterranean markets has been improving moderately. On a month-on-month basis, prices have been declining in September by 3% compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting firmer demand momentum and improved mill order books, supporting the quarter-on-quarter increase.

Italy: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Milano, Italy; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q3 2025, Recycled Fluting export prices on an FD Milano basis have been averaging between USD 405-430 per metric ton, reflecting a 7% increase compared to Q2 2025. The Italian and wider Southern European packaging markets have been strengthening as seasonal demand has been improving across FMCG, processed foods, beverage cartons, and industrial packaging.

Italy’s robust agri-food export sector during late summer has been supporting corrugated box consumption, particularly for fresh produce, wine shipments, and specialty food exports. Corrugated converters have been increasing restocking activity after cautious procurement in the previous quarter.

Recovered paper prices in Italy have been firming slightly due to tighter collection rates during the holiday season, raising input costs for mills. Energy markets have been relatively stable but remain a structural cost factor for Italian producers. Export demand toward Mediterranean and Central European markets has been steady.

On a month-on-month basis, prices have been decreasing in September by 4% compared to August 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting improved demand visibility and firmer mill order books, supporting quarter-on-quarter gains.

Recycled Fluting Price Trend Q4 2025

In Q4 2025, prices have been declining sharply by 8% compared to Q3 2025, as the market has been experiencing renewed supply pressure despite strong seasonal demand. While festive retail and e-commerce shipments have been supporting packaging consumption, mills globally have been operating at high rates, increasing availability.

Recovered fiber supply has been ample, limiting input cost escalation. Export competition has been intensifying, particularly among Asian producers targeting price-sensitive regions. Some buyers have been delaying purchases in anticipation of further corrections. Industrial packaging demand has been moderate due to cautious economic outlooks in certain regions.

Freight rates have been stable, offering limited cost push. Overall, the scenario has been reflecting oversupply conditions outweighing seasonal demand strength, leading to a significant quarter-on-quarter price decline toward the end of 2025.

India: Recycled Fluting export Prices FOB Nhava Sheva, India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, prices have been easing by 2% compared to Q3 2025 and has been ranging between USD 350-380 per MT. Despite strong festive season packaging demand and peak e-commerce shipments, supply availability has been comfortable due to high mill operating rates.

Export competition from other Asian origins has been intensifying, placing pressure on FOB offers from Nhava Sheva. Recovered paper supply has been steady, preventing major cost escalation. Overseas buyers have been negotiating more actively after restocking in Q3.

Domestic industrial packaging growth has been moderate, while FMCG and retail shipments have been strong but manageable. Freight rates have been stable, ensuring predictable export flows. On month on month basis price chart in December 2025 has been witnessing almost 4.5% decrease when compared to November 2025.

Overall, the market has been demonstrating typical seasonal correction, with sufficient supply meeting strong yet controlled demand, resulting in slight quarter-on-quarter softening while maintaining overall trade stability.

United Arab Emirates: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, Recycled Fluting prices have been averaging between 380-395 USD per metric ton, reflecting a 3% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite the onset of peak retail and festive season demand in the UAE, pricing has been adjusting downward amid intensified regional competition and comfortable supply availability.

Corrugated packaging demand has been increasing due to higher imports of consumer goods, electronics, food products, and e-commerce shipments linked to year-end sales campaigns. However, Indian exporters have been offering more competitive pricing to maintain market share against Southeast Asian suppliers.

Recovered fiber costs in India have been stable to slightly lower, providing cost flexibility to mills. Freight rates on the India UAE route have been remaining steady, limiting logistical cost pressures. UAE buyers have been maintaining cautious inventory management after earlier steady procurement.

On a month-on-month basis, prices have been decreasing by 3% in December 2025 compared to November 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting competitive trading conditions, adequate supply, and measured buying activity across the Gulf region.

Malaysia: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Kelang, Malaysia from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, CIF Port Klang prices have been averaging between USD 385-415 per MT, reflecting a 4% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite seasonal demand linked to year end retail shipments and electronics exports, pricing has been softening due to comfortable supply availability and intensified regional competition.

Malaysian converters have been maintaining disciplined procurement strategies after steady purchases in previous quarters. Indian mills have been offering more competitive pricing to secure volumes amid pressure from Southeast Asian suppliers. Recovered waste paper costs in India have been stable to slightly lower, allowing pricing flexibility.

Freight rates on the India–Malaysia route have been steady, limiting additional CIF cost pressures. On a month-on-month basis, prices have been easing gradually witnessing around 3% dip in December 2025 compared to November 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting competitive regional trade conditions, adequate inventory levels, and measured demand growth across Malaysia’s packaging sector.

Oman: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Sohar, Oman from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, CIF Sohar prices have been averaging between USD 390–410 per MT, marking around 4% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite the approach of peak retail and industrial packaging demand associated with the festive season and year-end shipments, pricing has been easing due to increased supply availability and competitive pressure from Gulf Cooperation Council exporters.

Omani converters have been carefully managing procurement after sustained purchases earlier in the year, reflecting cautious outlooks amid fluctuating energy prices and regional economic adjustments. Recovered fiber costs in India have remained stable, allowing exporters to offer competitive CIF rates. Freight conditions on the India–Oman route have been predictable, contributing to steady logistical expenses.

On a month on month basis, prices have been gradually softening through November 2025 and December 2025 indicating a dip of around 2% in December. Overall, the market has been reflecting a scenario of ample supply, competitive trade flows, and measured demand growth, resulting in moderate price correction while maintaining steady import volumes.

China: Recycled Fluting Imported Prices CIF Shanghai, China from India; Grade- Recycled Fluting 120-160 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, CIF Shanghai prices have been averaging between USD 380–395 per MT, marking a 3% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite strong corrugated packaging demand linked to year end export shipments and domestic online retail festivals, pricing has been adjusting downward amid comfortable supply conditions and competitive regional offers.

Chinese box manufacturers have been maintaining steady procurement but have been avoiding aggressive stock accumulation after Q3 restocking. Domestic recovered fiber supply has been adequate, easing raw material pressure on local mills and reducing urgency for imports.

Freight rates have been stable, limiting additional cost burdens. Indian exporters have been adjusting offers to remain competitive against Southeast Asian suppliers targeting the Chinese market. On a month on month basis, prices have been gradually softening through November 2025 and December 2025 indicating a dip of around 3% in December 2025.

Overall, the market has been demonstrating balanced but competitive trade dynamics, with sufficient availability meeting strong yet manageable seasonal demand, leading to moderate quarter-on-quarter price softening.

Poland: Recycled Fluting Export Prices FOB Gdynia, Poland; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, FOB Gdynia prices have been averaging between USD 355-395 per MT, marking a 7% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite the traditional year-end peak in European packaging consumption driven by holiday retail, beverages, electronics, and e-commerce shipments, pricing has been softening amid comfortable supply conditions.

Corrugated producers have been maintaining adequate inventories following Q3 restocking, limiting spot purchases. Recovered fiber availability has been improving after summer, easing raw material cost pressures, while energy prices have been stable without triggering cost escalation. Competitive offers from other European mills have been intensifying export competition.

Demand has been steady but not strong enough to absorb available supply fully. On a month-on-month basis, prices have been gradually declining from October through December 2025 marking a dip of around 1% in December 2025 compared to November 2025.

Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced-to-long supply dynamics and cautious buying sentiment, resulting in a notable quarter-on-quarter correction despite seasonal packaging demand.

Germany: Recycled Fluting Export Prices FOB Hamburg, Germany; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, FOB Hamburg prices have been averaging between USD 340-380 per MT, marking an 8% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite the typical year-end surge in packaging consumption driven by holiday retail sales, beverages, electronics, and e-commerce shipments across Europe, pricing has been softening due to comfortable supply levels and cautious procurement strategies.

German corrugated producers have been maintaining sufficient inventories after Q3 restocking, limiting spot market activity. Recovered fiber availability has been improving post-summer, easing raw material cost pressures for mills. Additionally, competitive pricing from other European exporters has been intensifying market pressure.

Energy prices have been relatively stable, preventing cost spikes but not offering strong upward support. On a month on month basis, prices have been steadily declining from October through December 2025 indicating a 1% decline in December 2025 compared to November 2025.

Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced-to-long supply conditions and competitive export dynamics, resulting in a notable quarter-on-quarter correction despite seasonal demand strength.

UK: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Southampton, UK; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, FD Barcelona prices have been averaging between USD 370-405 per metric ton, marking a 7% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite steady year-end retail demand and e-commerce-driven packaging consumption across Spain and Southern Europe, pricing has been softening amid comfortable supply conditions and cautious buyer sentiment.

Corrugated producers have been maintaining adequate inventories following Q3 restocking, limiting spot purchases. Recovered fiber availability has been improving after the summer season, easing raw material cost pressure on Spanish mills.

Additionally, competitive offers from other European producers have been intensifying pricing pressure in Mediterranean export markets. Energy costs have been relatively stable, preventing major cost escalations but not providing upward support.

On a month-on-month basis, prices have been gradually declining in December by 1% compared to November 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced-to-long supply conditions and competitive regional trade dynamics, resulting in a notable quarter-on-quarter correction despite seasonal demand.

Spain: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Barcelona, Spain; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, FD Barcelona prices have been averaging between USD 380-410 per metric ton, marking a 7% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite steady year-end retail demand and e-commerce-driven packaging consumption across Spain and Southern Europe, pricing has been softening amid comfortable supply conditions and cautious buyer sentiment.

Corrugated producers have been maintaining adequate inventories following Q3 restocking, limiting spot purchases. Recovered fiber availability has been improving after the summer season, easing raw material cost pressure on Spanish mills. Additionally, competitive offers from other European producers have been intensifying pricing pressure in Mediterranean export markets.

Energy costs have been relatively stable, preventing major cost escalations but not providing upward support. On a month-on-month basis, prices have been gradually declining in December by 1% compared to November 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced-to-long supply conditions and competitive regional trade dynamics, resulting in a notable quarter-on-quarter correction despite seasonal demand.

Italy: Recycled Fluting Domestically Traded Prices FD Milano, Italy; Grade- Recycled Fluting 100-120 GSM, BF 20

In Q4 2025, FD Milano prices have been averaging between USD 380-410 per metric ton, marking a 7% decline compared to Q3 2025. Despite year-end retail shipments, e-commerce growth, and steady food & beverage packaging demand across Italy, pricing has been softening due to comfortable supply levels and cautious procurement strategies.

Corrugated manufacturers have been maintaining sufficient inventories following Q3 restocking, limiting additional spot purchases. Recovered fiber availability has been improving post-summer, easing raw material cost pressure on mills. Competitive pricing from other European producers has been intensifying market competition within the EU.

Energy costs have been stable, preventing sudden cost spikes but not providing upward pricing support. On a month-on-month basis, prices have been gradually declining in December 2025 by 1% compared to November 2025. Overall, the market has been reflecting balanced-to-long supply conditions and competitive regional trade flows, resulting in a notable quarter-on-quarter correction despite seasonal consumption strength.