Industry News
East China Corrugated Medium Mills Report Firmer Orders into Late July
Converters in Jiangsu and Zhejiang report tighter booking windows for recycled medium as e-commerce and export carton programs pull inventory.
Several corrugated medium suppliers in East China told converters that July booking slots are filling faster than early June, driven by restocking for export cartons and domestic e-commerce shippers.
Lead times for common recycled medium grades have stretched by about three to seven days at some mills, according to converter feedback shared with PackTrades. Virgin-containing grades remain more available but at a premium.
Why buyers should care: sheet and carton quotes tied to “current mill price” may move between RFQ and PO if medium is not reserved. Dual-sourcing board or locking construction early reduces surprise ECT substitutions.
Buyer takeaways
Ask converters whether board is mill-reserved or spot-purchased.
Confirm flute/construction will not change if medium grade swaps.
For August shipments, lock specs and volume windows this week where possible.