On November 1, Deputy Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping introduced at the State Council Information Office press conference that the Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant departments, will launch a batch of new policies in the consumer sector.

For example, in the near future, research will be conducted to promote the development of the initial release economy, drive high-quality development of the wholesale and retail trade, support the pilot construction of modern commercial distribution systems in 20 cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, etc., carry out pilot reforms in autos retail consumption, and promote special action plans for healthy consumption, among other policies.

Li Gang, Director of the Market Operation and Consumer Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce, stated at the press conference of the State Council Information Office on the 1st that he will continue to create a good market atmosphere. Will combine consumer promotion with benefiting people's livelihood, currently focusing on organizing the iconic consumption month activity. At the same time, will highlight key periods, such as winter ice and snow, the end and beginning of the year, focusing on key categories such as autos, home appliances, furniture, and holding various consumer promotion activities integrating business, travel, culture, sports, and health. Continuously cultivate new consumption growth points. Expand service consumption, implement policies to promote the high-quality development of service consumption, enrich service consumption supply, and innovate service consumption scenarios. Develop digital consumption, deeply implement actions to enhance digital consumption. Expand green consumption, continuously promote new energy autos and green asia vets going to rural areas.

According to the Securities Times APP, Guosen Securities released a research report stating that since 2024, domestic demand and consumer confidence in pulp and paper have been continuously weakening. Although pulp prices rose slightly in Q2 2024 due to supply disruptions, the relatively subdued demand still exerts certain pressure on profit margins.

Wood pulp trended stronger in the first half of the year due to supply disruptions, with pulp prices falling in Q3 due to new capacity being put into operation. The lack of a strong foundation for future strength; while in a weak demand environment, the core of profitability lies in cost control capabilities.

As domestic policy stimulus takes effect and overseas economies enter a phase of interest rate cuts, demand for pulp and paper is expected to warm up with the recovery of consumption.

Paper-related Hong Kong-listed companies include:

hengan int'l (01044), nd paper (02689), lee & man paper (02314), shandong chenming paper (01812), sunshine paper (02002), etc.