Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Paper Cups
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
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Paper Cups Global Overview
Definition
Summary
These items are primarily made of paper but are usually lined with plastic or wax so they can hold liquid and food without leaking or falling apart. Paper cups are typically disposed of or recycled after a single use. Paper cups are supplied by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Major buyers include restaurants, coffee shops and consumers.
This Report Includes:
- Standardized Paper Cups
- Customized Paper Cups
Not in this Report:
- Solid Fiber Boxes
- Plastic Cups
- Paper Bags
Global Paper Cups Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Paper Cups market.
Warning Trends
United States imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which took effect on March 4, 2025.
- The tariff by the United States applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place. However, imported goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from tariffs until April 2, 2025.
- After the tariff took effect, Canada immediately imposed 25.0% tariffs on goods imported from the United States. Mexico also announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff measures on imports from the United States later this month.
- On March 12, the United States raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries to 25.0%, including Canada and Mexico.
- This market sources goods from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
United States announces additional tariffs on China
- In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China, which took effect on February 4, 2025. In late February 2025, the United States announced an additional 10.0% tariff on imports from China, which took effect on March 4, 2025.
- The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
- One of the three executive orders passed suspended the Section 321 de minimis shipment exemption (often applying to e-commerce packages), subjecting all shipments under $800 to relevant tariffs. However, on February 7th, this executive order was suspended until new systems are put into place to properly process and collect tariff revenues.
- This market sources goods from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Global Paper Cups Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1China | 27,635 |
| #2Europe | 25,540 |
| #3Oceania & Southeast Asia | 22,905 |
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Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Paper Cups
United States
2025 Market Pricing$12.49 to $XXX.XX
per 500 paper cupsAverage Price
Prices in the Paper Cups market range from $12.49 to $XXX.XX, depending on Size, Quality of Materials, Customization and Order Size. For example, lower prices are associated with 3-8 ounce cups ($10.49 to $48.95 per 500 cups) and 9-16 ounce cups ($17.62 to $90.00 per 500 cups), whereas higher prices are associated with 20-22 ounce cups ($58.90 to $101 per 500 cups), 24-28 ounce cups ($73.95 to $104 per 500 cups) and 32-44 ounce cups ($56.79 to $110 per 500 cups).
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Paper Cups Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Paper Cups market, prices in the US have grown 1.1% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
1.1%
Compound Annual Growth RateUnited States (2025-2028)
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Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Paper Cups
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Paper Cups market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs.
Negotiated Before
Transportation
Billed During
Storage
Consumables
Hardware
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2025, buyer power amounts to -0.5 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. It is most negatively impacted by Recent Price Volatility. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Wood Pulp Mills
- Paper Mills
- Ink Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Logging Companies
- Recycling Facilities
- Dye & Pigment Manufacturers
Biggest Paper Cups Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Paper Cups vendors by revenue in the US are W.W. Grainger, Inc., Uline, Inc. and Staples Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Packaging Holding Company | Global | ATLANTA | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Georgia-Pacific Llc | Global | Atlanta, GA | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Dart Container Corp | Global | Mason, MI | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Sysco Corporation | Global | HOUSTON, TX | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Us Foods Holding Corp. | National | ROSEMONT, IL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| W.W. Grainger, Inc. | Global | LAKE FOREST | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| The Odp Corporation | International | BOCA RATON, FL | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Pactiv Evergreen Inc. | Global | LAKE FOREST | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Huhtamaki Group | Global | Espoo, FI | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Paper Cups market is 4.1% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2024 and 2025. To understand cost forecasts for 2026 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Moderate vendor risk does not pose a major threat to buyer power.
Moderate supply chain risk has not had a major affect on buyer power.
Low market share concentration benefits buyer power by promoting price competition between suppliers.
The United States is a net importer of paper cups, importing more paper cups than it exports. Buyers importing paper cups should consider the possibility for longer lead times and higher shipping costs.
Supplier Information
Dart Container Corp
Dart Container Corp is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include polystyrene foam and paper cups. Founded in 1937, the company is currently headquartered in Mason, Michigan, United States of America with an estimated 15000 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Georgia-Pacific Llc
Georgia-Pacific Llc is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wood pulp, plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, engineered wood products. Founded in 1927, the company is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging Holding Company is a global consumer packaging company. It offers paperboard packaging solutions, including unbleached, bleached, and recycled paperboard, for food, beverage, restaurants, food service providers, air filter frames, and healthcare and beauty aids end markets. It operates various... Subscribe to learn more
Lollicup USA Inc.
Lollicup USA Inc. is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper cups. Founded in 2000, the company is currently headquartered in Chino, California, United States of America with an estimated 375 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Novolex Holdings LLC
Novolex Holdings LLC is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include plastic film, laminated papers, paper cups, paper bags, plastic bags. Founded in 2004, the company is currently headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, United States of America with... Subscribe to learn more
Staples Inc
Staples Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, manufacturing, information, professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, business... Subscribe to learn more
Uline, Inc.
Uline, Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include personal paper products, paper towels, receipt tape, paper cups, newsprint & offset papers. Founded in 1980, the company is currently headquartered in Pleasant... Subscribe to learn more
The Jim Pattison Group
The Jim Pattison Group is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. The company's offerings include paper cups, storefront signage and illuminated signs. Founded in 1961, the company is currently headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia,... Subscribe to learn more
Huhtamaki Group
Huhtamaki Group is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper cups, flexible packaging and molded fiber packaging. Founded in 1941, the company is currently headquartered in Espoo, Finland with an estimated employee count of over 10,000. Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Paper Cups Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Response Time and Defect Density. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Delivery and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Response Time | Average response time Average resolution time | Average response time is an indicator of the responsiveness of the supplier’s customer service staff. Responsive customer service will help resolve issues in a timely fashion. The supplier’s customer service staff should respond to all queries within 24 hours. | |
| Defect Density | Defect density Percentage of goods with leaks | The defect density refers to the percentage of products that are delivered with defects such as leaks, wrinkles or stains. A high share of defective products will limit supply as defective products cannot be used to serve customers or employees. Suppliers that persistently exceed the maximum defect density agreed to by the buyer should not be considered for renewal. | |
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Quality Control
How do you check for quality? Do you rely on manual systems or computerized systems?
How often do you examine batches for quality? How often do you update your quality control procedures?
Inventory Control
How many manufacturing locations do you have? How many warehouse locations?
What is your maximum production capacity?
Customer Service
What is the best method to reach your customer service representatives?
Do you have reviews and references from buyers? What about for each of the products that you offer?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
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Paper Cups RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide some background on their organization and explain why they are seeking paper cups.
Buyers should specify the size of their organization.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should indicate the range of products needed.
Buyers must detail the exact dimensions of the cups desired in terms of height, width, and diameter.
Project Budget
Buyers can impart the desired price range for each product needed, including adjustments to potential price increases.
Buyers should explain terms of payments, including preferred payment methods, frequency, timing, and value.
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- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
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