Despite challenging global shipping dynamics, direct imports of industrial duplex board, wood-free writing sheets, and light-weight coated paper from China have surged by 18% during the first quarter of 2026. This increase marks a significant strategic pivot by local printers seeking to bypass traditional European supply routes, which have become increasingly expensive.
However, this transition is not without obstacles. Sea freight rates from Shanghai to Karachi have escalated significantly over the past two months, eating into the profit margins of local importers. Importers are struggling to maintain competitive retail rates in Urdu Bazaar Lahore and Paper Market Karachi. To ease the situation, trade associations are in active dialogue with the Customs department to grant 'Green Channel' status to basic paper raw materials, allowing swift unloading and lower port storage charges.
Experts note that China's state-of-the-art paper production mills offer high-quality alternatives that perfectly fit the requirements of Pakistani publishing houses and commercial textbook printers. If shipping and custom clearing frameworks are optimized, this bilateral supply line could lay the foundation for stable, long-term pricing in the local paper market.
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