Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Printing & Writing Paper
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Printing & Writing Paper Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Printing and writing paper includes a wide variety of paper goods, such as stationery, printer paper, paper pads, notebooks, tracing paper, and labels. Printing and writing paper can be coated or uncoated. The typical buyers include businesses, law firms, educational institutions, financial services firms, and printing companies.
This Report Includes:
- Stationery Paper
- Printer Paper
- Paper Pads & Notebooks
- Tracing Paper
- Labels
Not in this Report:
- Envelopes
- Finished Packaging
- Paperboard Products
Global Printing & Writing Paper Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Printing & Writing Paper market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs are driving up paper and paperboard product prices
- On April 9, the Trump Administration applied a 10.0% blanket rate to all imports after pausing country-specific tariffs announced earlier in April for 90 days. Additionally, the administration raised the tariffs on imports from China to 145.0%.
- 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 25.0%, 10.0%, 145.0%, 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 25.0% 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 predicts tariffs will increase prices in the paper and paperboard market by between 2.8% and 3.3% in the short term.
United States imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which took effect on March 4, 2025.
- The tariff by the United States applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place. However, imported goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from tariffs until April 2, 2025.
- After the tariff took effect, Canada immediately imposed 25.0% tariffs on goods imported from the United States. Mexico also announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff measures on imports from the United States later this month.
- On March 12, the United States raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries to 25.0%, including Canada and Mexico.
- This market sources goods from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Neutral
Lumber prices rise in response to tariffs and reduced supply
- In the last 30 days, lumber prices have increased by 5.3%, continuing a consistent upward trend in lumber prices that started in the third quarter of 2024.
- In August 2024, the Department of Commerce raised tariffs on lumber imported from Canada, the United States’ primary foreign lumber supplier, from 8.05% to 14.54%. This tariff hike has gradually reduced the lumber supply from Canada by making prices for imported Canadian lumber less competitive with domestically produced lumber.
- Simultaneously, Canfor Corp. eliminated 670 million board feet of lumber mill capacity in the United States in response to weak lumber markets.
- These trends have combined to limit lumber supply in the United States, pushing prices upwards. However, a weak housing market continues to keep prevailing lumber prices relatively low compared to previous years.
Global Printing & Writing Paper Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1China | 21,975 |
| #2Europe | 20,305 |
| #3Oceania & Southeast Asia | 18,210 |
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Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe
Average Cost of Printing & Writing Paper
United States
2025 Market Pricing$22.00 to $XXX.XX
per 10 reamsCanada
Europe
Average Price
Prices in the Printing & Writing Paper market range from $22.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Brightness, Weight and Coating. For example, lower prices are associated with Brightness less than 80 ($24.00 to $40.00 per 10 reams) and Poor at reflecting light ($24.00 to $40.00 per 10 reams), whereas higher prices are associated with Use of optical brightening agents ($43.30 to $100 per 10 reams) and Brightness greater than 95 ($60.00 to $90.00 per 10 reams).
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Printing & Writing Paper Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Printing & Writing Paper market, prices in the US have grown 2.6% from 2022 to 2025. and +3.1% in Europe.
United States (2022-2025)
2.6%
Compound Annual Growth RateCanada (2016-2019)
1.4%
Compound Annual Growth RateEurope (2022-2025)
3.1%
Compound Annual Growth RateWondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Printing & Writing Paper
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Printing & Writing Paper 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. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Transportation
Pre-evaluation
Billed During
Storage
Unforeseen
Delays
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2025, buyer power amounts to -2.8 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Price 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
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
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- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
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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
- Electric Power Transmission
- Wood Pallet & Skid Producers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Organic Chemical Manufacturers
- Logging Companies
- Coal & Natural Gas Power Firms
- Sawmills & Wood Producers
Biggest Printing & Writing Paper Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Printing & Writing Paper vendors by revenue in the US are Seiko Epson Corp, International Paper Company and Reynolds Group Holdings Limited. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Paper Company | Global | MEMPHIS | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Packaging Corp Of America | International | LAKE FOREST, IL | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Georgia-Pacific Llc | Global | Atlanta, GA | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Domtar Corp | FORT MILL, SC | 1,001-10,000 | 20-25 | |||||
| Amazon.Com, Inc. | Global | Seattle | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| The Odp Corporation | International | BOCA RATON, FL | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Staples Inc. | Global | Framingham, MA | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Canon Inc. | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Seiko Epson Corp | Global | Suwa, JP | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
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Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Printing & Writing Paper market is 4.3% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2024 and 2025. To understand cost forecasts for 2026 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Market share concentration is high due to the significant merger and acquisition activity among manufacturers in the past three years. This has decreased buyer power by reducing overall competition among suppliers in the market.
The average vendor carries a moderate level of financial risk due to low profit levels and the commoditized nature of products in this market.
High supply chain risk in this market stems mainly from shortages and price spikes for inputs such as wood pulp, which is the primary input for market products and accounts for about 30.0% of supplier revenue.
There is a slow rate of regulatory change in the printing and writing paper market. Most regulations for printing and writing paper deal with environmental issues regarding the manufacturing process.
The United States is a net importer of paper and paperboard, meaning it imports more paper and paperboard than it exports. United States-based buyers will have greater access to competitively priced paper abroad; however, quality standards, lead times, and overall stability of manufacturers operating abroad may need to be assessed to accurately compare options with domestic suppliers.
Supplier Information
Georgia-Pacific Llc
Georgia-Pacific Llc is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wood pulp, plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, engineered wood products. Founded in 1927, the company is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
Packaging Corp Of America
Packaging Corp Of America is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, paperboard & packaging papers, packing tools, corrugated boxes, slip sheets. Founded... Subscribe to learn more
International Paper Company
International Paper Company is a global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. It organizes its business into two segments: Industrial Packaging, which manufactures liner board, medium, whitetop, recycled liner board, recycled medium, and saturating kraft; and Global Cellulose Fibers,... Subscribe to learn more
Domtar Corp
Domtar Corp is a public company operating in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wood pulp, printing & writing paper, coated paper and newsprint & offset papers. The company is currently headquartered in FORT MILL, South Carolina, United States of America with an estimated 6300 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Staples Inc.
Staples Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, manufacturing, information, professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, business... Subscribe to learn more
The Odp Corporation
The Odp Corporation is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, manufacturing, information, real estate and rental and leasing and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, business... Subscribe to learn more
Amazon.Com, Inc.
Amazon.Com, Inc. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, information and professional, scientific and technical services sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, personal paper products, paper towels, receipt tape, embossing machines. Founded in... Subscribe to learn more
Central National Gottesman Inc.
Central National Gottesman Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper and newsprint & offset papers. Founded in 1886, the company is currently headquartered in Purchase, New York, United States of America with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
Reynolds Group Holdings Limited
Reynolds Group Holdings Limited is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, laminated papers and newsprint & offset papers. Founded in 1919, the company is currently headquartered in Auckland, Aarhus, New Zealand with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Printing & Writing Paper Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Order Value and Cost of Goods Sold. 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 Order Value | Total revenue Number of orders | The average order value represents the revenue generated from the average order. The average order value can be used to evaluate a company’s consumers’ willingness to pay for its products and services. With this metric, buyers can gauge the average order sizes a vendor has the most experience with. | |
| Cost of Goods Sold | Total revenue Total material cost Total service cost Total delivery cost Total labor cost | The cost of goods sold represents the cost of providing products and services. The cost of goods sold takes into account the costs of labor, material, service, and delivery. These metrics will differ significantly from supplier to supplier depending on whether they are manufacturers or wholesalers. The cost of goods sold can indicate the financial stability and reliability of the supplier and their operations. | |
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Distribution
What is your delivery schedule, and can buyers in supply agreements develop custom delivery schedules?
How often can you make deliveries?
Supply Chain Risk
How diversified is your supplier base for inputs? Do you source from multiple suppliers in different global regions?
How do you control sudden spikes in wood pulp or input costs?
Service Performance
How do you track customer satisfaction?
What is your experience in working with a company of my size and operation specialty?
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Printing & Writing Paper RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide an overview of their business at each location they operate.
Buyers should provide contact information in case bidders have inquiries regarding the RFP.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should specify the total number of paper reams they wish to purchase.
Buyers should break down their order by paper size.
Project Budget
Buyers should specify their total project budget, which is broken down by paper size, thickness, and brightness.
Buyers should see if vendors offer discounts for purchasing particularly large orders.
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- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
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