carbon black Pricing Assessment

Name: Carbon Black Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast
Creator: PriceWatch
Published: 2025-03-06T05:40:54+00:00
License: https://www.price-watch.ai/privacy-policy/

Markets Covered:

China

India

Germany

Carbon Black Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q3 2024, the Carbon Black market in the APAC region experienced growth, driven by rising demand from sectors like tire manufacturing and fluctuating raw material prices, resulting in a volatile market environment. Conversely, Europe faced sustained weak demand, which caused a decrease in Carbon Black prices. The contrasting trends highlight the differing market conditions, with APAC benefiting from stronger demand, while Europe struggled with persistent demand challenges. These regional variations emphasize the influence of sector-specific needs and raw material price fluctuations on market dynamics during this period.

In Q4 2024, Carbon Black prices in China rose moderately as companies started procuring for the holiday season. In contrast, markets in Germany and India saw a decline in prices, driven by weak demand, destocking activities, and unfavourable weather conditions that hindered manufacturing. These regional discrepancies highlight the contrasting market dynamics, with China benefiting from pre-holiday procurement, while Germany and India faced challenges that pressured prices downward. Factors like seasonal demand and external conditions played a significant role in shaping the price trends across these regions during the quarter.

By Q1 2025, Carbon Black prices in India stabilized at around USD 1290 per metric ton (FOB Mundra for N220), supported by increased demand, particularly from the tire manufacturing sector. However, markets in China and Europe continued to struggle with weak trends, driven by sluggish demand. Despite the growth in India, the ongoing challenges in other regions highlight the varying market conditions across global markets, with demand fluctuations playing a key role in shaping the price dynamics.

Looking ahead to Q2 2025, the Carbon Black market is expected to see positive growth globally, driven by increased demand, especially from the automotive sector. The rising need for Carbon Black in tire manufacturing and other automotive applications is expected to support this growth. However, fluctuating raw material costs, particularly for coal tar, will remain a significant factor impacting pricing and market stability. These price variations in key feedstocks will create a volatile environment, requiring manufacturers and buyers to carefully monitor market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly to navigate potential challenges.

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is your trusted resource for tracking global carbon black price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the carbon black market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

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Track 's carbon black price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in carbon black prices

Global Logistics and Shipping Crisis (2021-Present): The global logistics and shipping crisis has severely impacted the Carbon Black market, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs. Delays in the transport of key raw materials, such as Coal Tar, have reduced production rates and caused plant shutdowns. Rising freight costs from container shortages and higher fuel prices have also made Carbon Black more expensive for industries like automotive. Supply chain volatility has caused stock shortages, complicating manufacturers’ ability to meet demand.

Global Energy Crisis (2021-2023): The 2021-2023 energy crisis significantly impacted Carbon Black production, leading to supply constraints and price increases. Rising energy costs, driven by disruptions in natural gas supplies, higher oil prices, and supply chain issues, escalated operating expenses for Carbon Black producers, particularly in Asia. This led to reduced production rates and even plant shutdowns, tightening global supply and pushing prices higher. Transportation costs also surged, further exacerbating the situation. The crisis prompted Carbon Black producers to explore energy-efficient technologies and diversify energy sources to reduce future risks, while price volatility and supply instability affected downstream industries like automotive.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread production halts as lockdowns forced manufacturing plants to close, delaying new vehicle releases and disrupting parts supply. Global supply chains, dependent on just-in-time manufacturing, faced severe disruptions, with critical component shortages like semiconductors leading to delays and cost increases. Consumer demand also plummeted due to economic uncertainty and lockdowns, further impacted by car dealership closures. A shift towards private vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) emerged, driven by health concerns and online sales trends. Though the industry began to recover by late 2020, semiconductor shortages slowed the recovery, with Asia-Pacific rebounding faster than other regions.

Methodology and Specifications

carbon black Pricing Assessment Research Methodology

Data Collection and Sources

Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.

On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Carbon Black production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.

Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Carbon Black supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Ethylene and Propylene) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis

Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Carbon Black prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.

Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Carbon Black production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.

Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive), to predict shifts in Carbon Black demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Carbon Black production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.

Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Carbon Black production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.

Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Carbon Black pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Carbon Black prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.

Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.

Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Carbon Black pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

12.01

CAS No

1333-86-4

HS Code

28030010

Molecular Formula

C

carbon black

Carbon Black is a finely divided black powder made from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is widely used as a reinforcing filler in tires, a pigment in inks and paints, and for UV protection in plastics. Composed of over 97% pure carbon, it is essential in industrial applications.

Packaging Type

25 Kg Bag

Grades Covered

N220 and N330

Incoterms Used

FOB Qingdao, FOB Mundra, Ex-Jamnagar, Ex-West India, Ex-Kolkata, Ex-East India, Ex-Delhi, Ex-North India, Ex-Chennai, Ex-South India, and FD Hamburg.

Synonym

Carbon Black

Quotation Terms:

35-40 MT / 25-28 MT / 20-25 MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Property	Specification (N220)	Specification (N330)
Iodine Absorption No. (g/kg)	121 +/-5	82 +/-5
OAN (cm3/ 100g)	114	102
COAN (cm3/ 100g)	98	88
STSA (m2/g)	106	75-76
Tint Strength	110~120	98~108
Ash Content (%)	≤ 0.5	≤ 0.5
Heating Loss (%)	≤ 1.5-3	≤ 1.0-2.5

Applications

Carbon black is used across multiple industries for its reinforcement, pigmentation, and conductive properties. In the tire industry, it enhances strength and wear resistance. In rubber, plastics, and coatings, it improves durability, UV stability, and mechanical properties. It is a key ingredient in inks for pigmentation, and in electronics, it enhances conductivity. Additionally, it’s used in paints, adhesives, and batteries for its colour, protection, and conductive qualities. Overall, Carbon Black boosts performance and longevity in a wide range of industrial applications.

Disclaimer

Carbon Black price provided by is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for carbon black. disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

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Frequently asked questions

What factors influence the pricing of Carbon Black production? +

The pricing of Carbon Black production is influenced by factors such as the cost of feedstocks (e.g., crude oil, natural gas), production methods (energy-intensive processes), and energy prices. Supply and demand dynamics, environmental regulations, and transportation costs also play key roles. Additionally, technological advancements, market competition, and geopolitical factors (e.g., trade policies) can impact pricing. The specific grade and quality of Carbon Black further influences its cost, with higher-performance grades typically being more expensive.

How do fluctuations in Coal Tar affect the overall cost of Carbon Black ? +

Fluctuations in Coal Tar prices have a significant impact on Carbon Black production costs, as coal tar is a key feedstock in processes like the thermal black process. When coal tar prices rise, feedstock costs increase, which can either reduce profit margins or lead to higher Carbon Black prices for customers. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and the volatility of coal tar prices can further exacerbate cost increases. If coal tar becomes too expensive, manufacturers may shift to alternative feedstocks, but this transition can involve additional costs. Ultimately, price hikes may limit supply, driving up market prices for Carbon Black.

What is the current price trend for feedstock, and how is it expected to impact Carbon Black pricing in the near future? +

The current price trend for coal tar is shaped by factors such as fluctuations in crude oil prices, production capacities, and the global recovery in demand. In the near term, coal tar prices may experience volatility due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and shifts in feedstock prices. For procurement managers, this indicates potential price fluctuations for Carbon Black in the future market, making it crucial to closely monitor market developments that could affect procurement strategies.