In 2025, China’s paper industry demonstrated strong resilience amid a complex global environment. Although domestic production of machine-made paper and paperboard grew moderately (approximately 149 million tons from January to November 2025, up 2.8% year-on-year), the sector is accelerating its transformation toward high-end, green, and international development due to domestic overcapacity, stricter environmental regulations, and differentiated global demand. Against this backdrop, China’s paper machinery exports have become a significant growth driver for the country’s papermaking equipment manufacturing industry, offering cost-effective solutions to paper mills worldwide.

1. Highlights of China’s Paper Machinery Exports in 2025

According to industry data and customs statistics, China’s papermaking and related equipment exports in 2025 showed the following notable trends:

1. Significant Growth in Tissue Paper Machine Exports In 2025, China’s tissue paper machine exports performed exceptionally well. Multiple equipment manufacturers collectively exported 66 tissue machines with a total capacity of about 1.3 million tons per year. Additionally, over 500 sets of tissue converting equipment were exported. High-end models such as Crescent Former tissue machines gained strong popularity in emerging markets including Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Africa. This growth is driven by China’s advantages in technological maturity, energy efficiency, and competitive pricing, enabling overseas paper mills to expand capacity quickly.
2. Strong Demand for Packaging Paper Machines and Pulping Equipment With the global push toward sustainable packaging, exports of Kraft paper machines, corrugated paper machines, and packaging board machines remained robust. Multi-cylinder Fourdrinier machines with widths of 4200mm and 3800mm, along with supporting pulping systems, became the preferred choice for paper mills in Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries. Meanwhile, exports of refurbished and used paper machines continued to rise. Many small and medium-sized mills prefer cost-effective solutions that deliver near-new performance. Chinese companies’ expertise in refurbishment and upgrading is winning increasing international orders.
3. Key Export Markets
   
   • Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.): The fastest-growing region, benefiting from surging packaging demand and RCEP trade facilitation.
   • India: Active paper mill expansion created strong demand for medium-to-high-speed tissue machines and Kraft paper machines.
   • Russia, Middle East, and Africa: Infrastructure development and local production needs boosted equipment imports.
   • South Asia and Latin America: Emerging markets showed high acceptance of cost-optimized equipment.

The global paper machinery market is expected to continue expanding steadily in 2026, with Chinese equipment steadily increasing its market share through its “cost-performance + customization + fast delivery” advantages.

2. Outlook for 2026: Opportunities and Challenges

Entering 2026, China’s paper machinery exports face a landscape of both opportunities and challenges:

Positive Factors:

• Moderate recovery in global demand for packaging paper and tissue products, with strong expansion plans from paper mills in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Accelerated technological upgrading of Chinese paper machines, with energy-saving, high-speed, and intelligent equipment better meeting international green transformation requirements.
• Continued advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, providing policy and financial support for equipment exports.
• Refurbishment services emerging as a new highlight: Many overseas production lines require upgrading. Chinese companies can offer one-stop solutions from evaluation and refurbishment to installation and commissioning, significantly lowering customers’ investment barriers.

Potential Challenges:

• Complex international trade environment, with possible anti-dumping measures or technical barriers in some regions.
• Fluctuations in global energy and raw material prices affecting equipment procurement budgets.
• Intensifying competition: European and Japanese high-end equipment competing against Chinese cost-effective solutions.

Overall, China’s paper machinery exports are expected to maintain steady growth in 2026, particularly in Tissue paper machines, Kraft/Corrugated packaging paper machines, and pulping systems.

3. Core Competitiveness of Chinese Paper Machinery Exports

Chinese papermaking machinery companies have developed unique strengths through years of development:

• Comprehensive Width Coverage: Full range from 787mm to 4600mm, supporting various forming methods (Fourdrinier, Crescent Former, Multi-former, etc.).
• Dual Drive of New and Refurbished Machines: Brand-new machines with stable performance and expertly refurbished machines offering near-new performance at more competitive prices — ideal for developing countries.
• One-Stop Service: From core components such as headboxes, dewatering elements, calenders, and rewinders to complete production line design, installation, commissioning, and after-sales support.
• Strong Customization Capability: Tailored solutions based on paper grade (tissue, cultural, packaging) and capacity requirements.

Take HongYu Machinery as an example. With nearly 40 years of focus on papermaking equipment, we supply brand-new and high-quality refurbished paper machines ranging from 1880mm to 4600mm, covering Tissue, Kraft, Cultural, and other grades. We also provide professional pulping equipment and custom spare parts. Many overseas clients have successfully upgraded their capacity and completed technical transformations through our cost-effective refurbishment solutions.

4. Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

In 2026, China’s paper machinery exports stand at a new starting point. Facing the global trends of sustainable development and digital transformation, Chinese equipment manufacturers will continue to increase technological innovation and international presence, providing reliable, efficient, and green production solutions to the global paper industry.

If you are a paper mill owner or industry professional planning new line construction, capacity expansion, or equipment upgrading, we welcome you to contact us. HongYu Machinery is ready to partner with global clients to promote high-quality development of the papermaking industry.

HongYu Paper Machinery Professional Papermaking Equipment Supplier Website: https://hooymachinery.com Email: daniel@hooymachinery.com