If you are a Japanese importer deliberating between sourcing packaging from China or sourcing from local suppliers, you are not alone. Corrugated packaging has become a strategic component of the supply chain — not just something to wrap products with. Selecting the appropriate corrugated box manufacturer can affect your cost structure, delivery times, product protection, brand image, and even sustainability goals.
With greater demand (especially from e-commerce and consumer goods), the worldwide corrugated packaging market reached US$233.8 billion in 2024 and is continuing to grow steadily at a CAGR of approximately 5%. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and Japan, is one of the fastest-growing regions. This means competition is intense; therefore, supplier choice matters now more than ever.
So, which is preferable for Japanese importers in 2025, a supplier in China or a domestic/local supplier? Let’s break it down.
Why Corrugated Boxes Matter Today
While they may seem simple, corrugated boxes play a tremendous role in logistics. They safeguard product, affect shipping costs, affect the end user experience, and support your brand value. As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable for many Japanese companies, the shift to recycling corrugated packaging has never been stronger.
This is why it’s important to select a custom corrugated box manufacturer that fits your quality specification standards and business model, whether that be China or Japan.
Why Chinese Corrugated Box Manufacturers are Beneficial
1. Lower Manufacturing Costs
China is still one of the most competitive manufacturing countries. Lower labor and raw material costs give Chinese suppliers a strong pricing advantage, especially with high-volume orders.
2. High Capacity & Automation
Many Chinese manufacturers have large-scale automated factories. This means they can quickly deal with bulk orders, keep a high quality, and offer sophisticated customization.
3. Established Export Systems
For many decades, Chinese packaging suppliers have been exporting globally. They are very familiar with international standards, export documents, pallet optimization, and shipping trades, which alleviates friction for Japanese buyers.
4. Strong Sustainability Options
More Chinese manufacturers are now offering recycled and sustainable, eco-friendly corrugate materials. Some manufacturers like Yiruixing Packaging are focused heavily on recyclable cardboard and sustainable processes.
Benefits of Local Corrugated Box Suppliers
Faster Turn Around
Local Japanese or nearby Asian suppliers can usually deliver much faster. For frequently restocking or using JIT systems, speed is everything.
Hands-on Quality Control
It’s easier to visit the factory, check samples, and build relationships when your packaging supplier is local.
Simplified Logistics
No customs, no import duties, and no bother with international shipping – that is a significant advantage by itself.
Lower Transport Emissions
They travel shorter distances – that is, a smaller carbon footprint.
Limitations of Local Suppliers
Higher unit cost
While Japanese manufacturing produces strong quality, it is also strong in cost
Limited production volume
Some local suppliers can’t match the output volume of big Chinese companies.
Less Flexible Pricing for Customization
Reliable printing, complicated box structures, or different dimensions will cost a lot more on a local basis.
What the Import Data Tells You about Real Choices
Let’s see how Japanese businesses are really buying.
- Japan imported CORRUGATED CARTONS, worth 17.8 million dollars from China in 2023, a quantity of roughly 5.94 million KG.
- China provides approximately 59% of Japan’s corrugated box supply, by volume, the biggest foreign supplier to Japan.
- The volume of the CORRUGATED IMPORT SHIPMENTS increased by 12.85% from 2023 to 2024, or approximately 24 million dollars, all of which indicates that Japan is increasingly reliant on overseas manufacturers.
So the numbers have a clear trend to illustrate: Japanese companies are increasingly using Chinese suppliers of corrugated packaging largely due to both cost savings and volume flexibility.
So, Which is Better?
Here is a practical way to think of it. What do you choose with choosing a HIGH VOLUME manufacturing located in CHINA?
When you have :
- A need for HIGH VOLUME production
- You want competitive cost rates
- You need a need for customization.
- Can accommodate longer lead times
- Desire a supplier with good exporting experience
Select Local Supplier if you:
- Need super-fast delivery
- Order small lots frequently
- Want minimal logistics
- Do hands-on quality control
- Want to care about the impacts of transport emissions
For many Japanese importers, winning is really a hybrid model; they rely on China for high-volume production and local suppliers for urgent/specialty runs.
Why Many Japanese Importers Find Yiruixing Trustworthy
With all the positives and negatives considered, the main thing is to find supply flexibility with an experienced, reliable, and trusted supplier – many Japanese importers find that with a Chinese supplier like Yiruixing Packaging.
Yiruixing Packaging is a well-rated custom corrugated box manufacturer based in Foshan, Guangdong, with over 14 years of industry experience. Their production focuses on:
- High-quality corrugated shipping box solutions
- Custom-designed box packaging for brands
- Gift and retail custom packaging solutions
- Eco-friendly, recyclable materials
- International export standards
Yiruixing is a strong consideration for Japanese businesses that need lots of fully customized boxes, want competitive prices and competitors, while also still wanting good quality control. They are a great option for Japanese businesses to gain the scale advantages of China while also being less risky and more reliable.
If you are looking for a Chinese supplier that has an understanding of export logistics, they are flexible on customization, and remains committed to sustainability on its corrugated packaging, Yiruixing Packaging could be worth considering.
FAQ
What does a corrugated box manufacturer do?
A corrugated box manufacturer makes boxes from corrugated fiberboard, a lightweight, durable, and strong material that is suitable for shipping applications, retail packaging, and product protection.
Why use custom corrugated box manufacturers instead of standard boxes?
Custom manufacturers can create boxes in any size you need, provide printing, branding, inserts, and structural design changes. This can improve product presentation, reduce damage, and help you maximize shipping efficiency.
Is it cheaper to import corrugated boxes from China?
Yes, especially for the high quantity orders. When you consider shipping costs and import duties, the unit cost is often less than you would pay if the same boxes were produced domestically.
What is the biggest concern when sourcing products from China?
The biggest concerns are longer lead times, communication gaps, and quality issues. Fortunately, if you hire an experienced explorer, those concerns can be significantly minimized.
What steps can Japanese companies take to ensure they have quality control when working with suppliers from China?
Ask for pre-production samples, negotiate clear quality control standards, and work with a well-established and experienced exporter like Yiruixing Packaging that already has quality management programs in place to manage their quality processes.
