Global Thermal Paper Prices Increase by 10% from March 2026

March 15, 2026 — Global thermal paper mills such as Koehler, Domtar, Hansol, and other major mills have announced a 10% price increase for thermal paper materials, affecting all grades of thermal paper, including POS transaction paper, label stock, and medical grade thermal paper. The increases are driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, as well as significant fluctuations in international crude oil and energy prices.

Price Increase Announcements from Major Thermal Paper Mills

• Koehler Paper – The famous thermal paper coater from Germany announced a global price increase of 10% for all thermal paper grades and applications, effective April 1, 2026. [Read the statement →]
• Domtar Paper – Domtar, in the United States, followed with the same increase on all thermal paper products shipped within the U.S. and Canada, also effective April 1, 2026. [Read the statement →]
• Hansol Paper – South Korea’s Hansol announced a 10% global price increase for all thermal paper.
• Jianghe Paper – In China, Jianghe also adjusted its thermal paper pricing in response to mounting cost pressures on its chemical supply. [Read the statement →]
• Chenming Paper – Chenming also announced a 10% increase effective March 10, 2026, citing rising material costs. [Read the statement →]
• Other thermal paper mills, including Mitsubishi, Jujo, APP, Guanhao, etc., also made the same response due to the persistent cost pressure and strong demand

Why Prices Are Going Up?

The blending process of coating chemicals Image: Panda Paper Roll

• The most direct cause is the current situation in Iran and its blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted shipping routes and sent global oil prices surging, because around 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through the Strait.
• That oil-price spike has raised costs across the board for petrochemical products, including dyes and developers used in thermal paper coatings and resins used for thermal transfer ribbons.
• At the same time, the coating chemicals essential for thermal paper manufacturing have been in short supply, adding another layer of cost pressure.
• Global shipping freight has climbed 5-10% since March due to regional instability, making it more expensive to import paper pulp and other raw materials.

Taken together, these factors have significantly increased production costs for thermal paper manufacturers worldwide.

What to Expect in the Coming Months?

As we can predict, the chaos in the global thermal paper market will continue, and the prices are likely to continue rising in the coming months as supply constraints and cost pressures persist. How long this lasts will depend heavily on developments in Iran and the surrounding region.

What Should You Do in This Situation?

Our honest recommendation is to start building stock now, as this price increase is likely to last several months. At Panda Paper Roll, we also apply new prices to all thermal paper orders placed after March 15, 2026. Meanwhile, we need more lead time than usual to prepare orders and arrange international deliveries.

As a trusted thermal paper manufacturer in China, Panda Paper Roll is committed to sharing what’s happening across the industry. We want to be transparent with our customers, not just in prices but in the reason behind the increase. We will continue to monitor market developments closely and are working with our suppliers to maintain a stable supply and competitive pricing wherever possible. For the latest updates or to request a quote on your next paper roll order, contact our team at Panda Paper Roll.