Aseahi Paper’s Sejong plant resumed operations on April 20, while Korea Export Packaging’s Osan fire recovery drags on. A D+40 update on inventory, prices, price negotiations, and remaining risks.
This guide summarizes the business structures of Korea’s five major paper groups that lead the printing paper and containerboard markets. It highlights which groups operate both paper and board businesses and what packaging procurement teams need to know.
International Paper announced on April 16, 2026, its $360 million acquisition of NORPAC (North Pacific Paper Company), a Washington State containerboard mill. The deal strengthens IP’s West Coast footprint and accelerates the shift to lightweight recycled containerboard. We analyze what this means for North American market dynamics and Korea’s paper packaging sector.