Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Paper Bags
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Paper Bags Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Paper bags come in a variety of sizes, with or without protective coating, and are either single wall or multiwall for heavier applications. Although multiwall bags are included in this report, this report focuses on single-wall paper bags used by consumers. Paper bags have a large number of different industrial and commercial uses. Typical buyers include supermarkets and grocery stores, department stores, warehouse clubs and supercenters, animal food producers, and manufacturers of building materials.
This Report Includes:
- Single-Wall Paper Bags
- Multi-Wall Paper Bags
Not in this Report:
- Plastic Bags
- Cloth Bags
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Global Paper Bags Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Paper Bags market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs are driving up paper and paperboard product prices
- The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to all imports from most nations, are set to take effect on August 7 after the national tariff rates were finalized on August 1.
- As a result, the leading paper and paperboard product import sources, Canada, the European Union, China, and Mexico, all face significantly increased tariff rates of 35.0%, 15.0%, 54.0%, and 25.0%, respectively. Together, these countries account for 77.3% of paper and paperboard imports.
- However, USMCA-originating products, meaning those produced entirely in Canada or Mexico, are exempt from the elevated tariffs.
- The United States is highly reliant on paper and paperboard imports to meet domestic demand, with imports accounting for approximately 30.5% of total US consumption in this market.
- Due to these factors, the Yale Budget Lab anticipates tariffs will increase prices in the paper and paperboard market by 5.3% in the short term.
The United States has imposed duties on paper bags imported from eight countries.
- The United States imposed antidumping duties (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on paper bags imported from Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Portugal, Taiwan, and Vietnam in July 2024 following a May 2023 complaint from a group of domestic producers. The antidumping and countervailing duties took effect immediately.
- Paper bag imports from Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Portugal, Taiwan, and Vietnam together account for an estimated 11.8% of domestic demand. Over half of US paper bag imports originated in the impacted countries in 2024, while imports made up roughly 23.0% of US paper bag consumption in 2024.
- Imports from China are most impacted, with the government imposing anti-dumping duties between 73.1% and 135.8% and anti-subsidy duties ranging from 40.8% to 172.4%.
- When the anti-dumping and countervailing duties are combined, 14 exporters based in China will be the most impacted, with combined duties of 308.2%.
Global Paper Bags Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 China | 15,640 |
| #2 Europe | 14,455 |
| #3 Oceania & Southeast Asia | 12,965 |
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Geography Drilldown - US & Canada
Average Cost of Paper Bags
United States
2026 Market Pricing$70.00 to $XXX.XX
per 250 paper bagsCanada
Average Price
Prices in the Paper Bags market range from $70.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Material, Coating, Size, Color and Customization. For example, lower prices are associated with Recycled paper ($68 to $141 per 250 bags), whereas higher prices are associated with New kraft paper ($68 to $117 per 250 bags).
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Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Paper Bags Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Paper Bags market, prices in the US have grown 3.7% from 2022 to 2025. Meanwhile, the recent three-year CAGR for Canada is +3.3%.
United States (2022-2025)
Canada (2018-2021)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
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Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Paper Bags
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Paper Bags market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs.
Negotiated Before
Pre-evaluation
Billed During
Storage
Disposal
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -2.5 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. It is most negatively impacted by Availability of Substitutes. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Canada
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
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- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Wood Pulp Mills
- Adhesive Manufacturers
- Ink Manufacturers
- Paper Mills
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Logging Companies
- Plastic & Resin Manufacturers
- Dye & Pigment Manufacturers
- Recycling Facilities
Biggest Paper Bags Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Paper Bags vendors by revenue in the US are BCPE Empire Holdings Inc., Smurfit Westrock PLC and Bunzl Plc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sysco Corporation | Global | HOUSTON, TX | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| International Paper Company | Global | MEMPHIS | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| W.W. Grainger, Inc. | Global | LAKE FOREST | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Bunzl Plc | Global | London, UK | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Smurfit Westrock PLC | Global | Dublin, IE | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Mondi PLC | Global | Addlestone, UK | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Novolex Holdings LLC | Global | Hartsville, SC | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Uline, Inc. | International | Pleasant Prairie, WI | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Msc industrial direct co., inc. | Global | MELVILLE | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Paper Bags market is 4.7% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
The market has a low market share concentration, indicating that no leading vendors influence market prices and vendors operate competitively.
Low vendor financial risk boosts buyer power because it means that providers are unlikely to face bankruptcy, which could lead to supply disruptions or financial losses for buyers.
The high level of supply chain risk indicates that buyers may face supply or price disruptions due to disruptions in their upstream supply chains.
The United States is a net importer of paper bags, meaning it imports more paper bags than it exports. Buyers importing paper bags should consider the potential for longer shipping times and higher shipping costs.
Supplier Information
BCPE Empire Holdings Inc.
BCPE Empire Holdings Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper bags and molded fiber packaging. Founded in 1935, the company is currently headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America with an estimated employee... Subscribe to learn more
Bunzl Plc
Bunzl Plc is a public company operating globally in the construction, manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include paper bags, plastic bags, slip sheets, molded fiber packaging, safety apparel. Founded in 1854, the company is currently headquartered in London, United Kingdom with... Subscribe to learn more
Hood Packaging Corporation
Hood Packaging Corporation is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include laminated papers and paper bags. Founded in 1978, the company is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America with an estimated 5500 employees. Subscribe to learn more
International Paper Company
International Paper Co. /NEW/ is a global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. It organizes its business into two segments: Industrial Packaging, which manufactures linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled medium, and saturating kraft; and Global Cellulose Fibers, which includes a Subscribe to learn more
Mondi PLC
Mondi PLC is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paperboard & packaging papers, newsprint & offset papers, paper bags, flexible packaging, envelopes. Founded in 2007, the company is currently headquartered in Addlestone, United Kingdom with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
Msc industrial direct co., inc.
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. It offers cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, metalworking products, fasteners, flat stock, raw materials, abrasives, hand and power tools, safety and... Subscribe to learn more
Nassco Inc.
Nassco Inc. is a private company operating regionally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper bags. Founded in 1955, the company is currently headquartered in New Berlin, Wisconsin, United States of America with an estimated 187 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Novolex Holdings LLC
Novolex Holdings LLC is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include plastic film, laminated papers, paper cups, paper bags, plastic bags. Founded in 2004, the company is currently headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, United States of America with... Subscribe to learn more
Paper Mart
Paper Mart is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper bags. Founded in 1921, the company is currently headquartered in Orange, California, United States of America with an estimated 250 employees. Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Paper Bags Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Response Time and Customer Complaints. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Accuracy and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Response Time |
|
Average response time Percentage of queries responded to within 24 hours |
The average response time is an important indicator of the supplier’s customer support. Prompt customer support is needed to resolve issues when they occur. Suppliers should respond to all client queries within 24 hours. The average response time should not exceed 24 hours during a given period. |
| Customer Complaints |
|
Customer complaints Percentage of negative reviews |
Customer complaints occur when defective or inaccurate products are delivered or products are delivered late. Buyers may wish to reevaluate their relationship with a supplier if the number of customer complaints exceeds a benchmark during two consecutive quarters. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Customer Service
What sort of methods can be used to reach your customer service representatives? What is the typical response time for each of these methods?
What is the best way to reach you? Does this depend upon the issue, such as lost or defective products?
Value-Added Services
What additional products or services do you offer?
How is lead time affected if I bundle paper bags with additional products or services?
Quality Control
What kind of training do your employees receive? How often is the training refreshed?
What procedures do you have in place to check quality?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
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Paper Bags RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide the size and geographic locations of their organizations.
Buyers should briefly explain what kind of paper bags they wish to purchase.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should indicate the volume of their orders and the expected frequency.
Buyers should provide product specifications, such as size and color.
Project Budget
Buyers should include the total value of the contract for the paper bags.
Buyers should specify terms for price adjustments during the term of the contract.
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- Opportunity assessment
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- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
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