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GermanyDuring Q1 2025, the Carbon Black market in China was subjected to a bearish trend due to weak demand and seasonal production slumps. N220 FOB Qingdao prices fell by 0.5%, coming in at approximately USD 1220/MT, while N330 FOB Qingdao experienced a fall of 1.7%, reaching about USD 1075/MT. The market downtrend was fueled by the Lunar New Year holidays, which extended factory closures and lowered operating levels in the tire and rubber industries. This cyclical disruption clipped procurement activity and placed downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, comfortable inventory levels, weakening feedstock prices, and increasing regional competition from lower-cost producers fueled the price drop. In general, the Chinese Carbon Black market was downbeat in Q1 2025, as buyers took a wait-and-see stance amidst poor near-term demand visibility.
In Q4 2024, Carbon Black prices in China rose moderately as companies started procuring for the holiday season. Prices for N220 FOB Qingdao increase by 3.6%, settling around USD 1220/MT, while N330 FOB Qingdao saw a 3.1% rise, reaching approximately USD 1090/MT. In contrast, markets in Germany 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 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.
In Q3 2024, the Carbon Black market in China recorded an upward trend, driven by a gradual recovery in demand from the automotive and tire manufacturing sectors. N220 FOB Qingdao prices increased by 2.8%, reaching around USD 1180/MT, while N330 FOB Qingdao rose by 2.1%, settling at approximately USD 1060/MT. The pickup in domestic consumption, particularly from tire and rubber goods producers, contributed to stronger market sentiment and firmer pricing. Seasonal restocking activity also supported buying interest across key industrial regions. In contrast, the German Carbon Black market remained weak during the same period, weighed down by sluggish demand from the European automotive sector and reduced production rates. Buyers in Europe maintained a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty, limiting the pace of recovery. Overall, while China’s market saw moderate growth, regional disparities highlighted the uneven demand outlook across global Carbon Black markets in Q3 2024.
In Q2 2024, the Carbon Black market in China witnessed a sharp downward trend, primarily due to weakened demand and ample supply in the domestic market. Prices for N220 FOB Qingdao dropped significantly by 13.6%, reaching around USD 1150/MT, while N330 FOB Qingdao declined by 13.3%, settling at approximately USD 1040/MT. The substantial price correction was largely driven by reduced procurement from tire and rubber manufacturers amid sluggish industrial activity and economic headwinds. Additionally, high inventory levels from the previous quarter and cautious purchasing behaviour among downstream buyers further pressured the market. Seasonal slowdown in tire and automotive output during the quarter also contributed to the weak demand environment. As a result, suppliers were compelled to lower prices to stimulate buying interest, leading to a bearish market sentiment across the Chinese Carbon Black industry in Q2 2024.
During Q1 2024, China’s Carbon Black market experienced a soft downward trend, impacted largely by the seasonal dip typical of the Chinese New Year holidays. N220 FOB Qingdao prices decreased by 2.1% to about USD 1330/MT, and N330 FOB Qingdao slipped by 2.4% to about USD 1200/MT. The longer holiday period caused short-term factory closures and lower operating levels at key downstream sectors like tire and rubber production. This suspension of production and procurement activity tempered market momentum and curtailed buying interest early in the quarter. While demand recovered later in Q1 when production resumed, it was not strong enough to overcome the downside price pressure. Holiday-linked inactivity coupled with risk-averse restocking helped push the soft market mood seen during the quarter.
During Q1 2025, the Indian local Carbon Black market saw a mixed trend where N220 Ex-Jamnagar prices went up by 0.5% to around USD 1294/MT, while N330 Ex-Jamnagar decreased by 1.8% to around USD 1150/MT. The hike in N220 prices was propelled by firm demand from the rubber and tire industries, supported by a snug supply-demand equation in the market. Nonetheless, N330 prices came under pressure due to weaker demand in some segments, such as the automotive and industrial uses, affecting overall consumption. Seasonal influences and prudent buying behaviour in anticipation of the fiscal year-end also supported the mixed market trend. In total, although N220 remained resilient, N330 battled weaker demand, leading to a relatively subdued overall market trend during Q1 2025.
In Q4 2024, the Indian domestic Carbon Black market experienced a bearish trend, with prices for both N220 Ex-Jamnagar and N330 Ex-Jamnagar showing mixed movements compared to the previous quarter. N220 prices remained largely unchanged, settling at around USD 1290/MT, while N330 prices saw a slight decline of 1.2%, reaching approximately USD 1170/MT. The market slowdown was attributed to the seasonal dip in demand as the year ended, with many industries reducing procurement activity ahead of the holiday season and year-end inventory adjustments. Additionally, weaker consumption from the tire and rubber sectors, combined with global price corrections, put downward pressure on local prices. Buyers were more cautious, preferring to deplete existing stocks before making new purchases. As a result, the market showed limited movement, reflecting typical year-end factors such as reduced industrial activity and cautious spending in anticipation of the new year.
In Q3 2024, the Carbon Black market in the Indian domestic sector saw a strong upward trend, with prices for both N220 Ex-Jamnagar and N330 Ex-Jamnagar increasing significantly from the previous quarter. N220 prices rose by 3.8%, reaching around USD 1290/MT, while N330 prices saw a 5.9% increase, settling at approximately USD 1190/MT. This surge was driven by a recovery in demand, particularly from the tire manufacturing sector, which ramped up production following the slower months in Q2. Additionally, tighter supply conditions and restocking activity led to stronger market sentiment. Buyers responded to the improved demand outlook by securing more material, further supporting price increases. Overall, the Indian Carbon Black market showed resilience and growth in Q3 2024, fuelled by improved industrial activity and an optimistic market outlook.
During Q2 2024, Carbon Black prices in the Indian domestic market were in a bearish trend, and both N220 Ex-Jamnagar and N330 Ex-Jamnagar prices registered significant falls. N220 prices fell by 6.9%, going down to about USD 1240/MT, while N330 prices went down by 7.9%, ending at around USD 1120/MT. The decline was mainly fuelled by weak demand from major industries like tire production, as slower economic activity and lower production levels affected purchasing. The seasonal decline, combined with reduced inventory turnover, helped drive this downward pressure. Also, weakening global prices and constrained domestic consumption caused buyers to become more conservative in their purchasing tactics. In total, the Indian Carbon Black market experienced downward pressure on prices during Q2 2024 due to a mix of decreasing demand and market adjustments.
In Q1 2024, the Carbon Black market in the Indian domestic landscape exhibited a mixed trend, reflecting varied dynamics across different grades. Prices for N220 Ex-Jamnagar declined by 2%, settling around USD 1330/MT, primarily due to subdued demand from the tire and rubber sectors, along with sufficient inventory levels from the previous quarter. In contrast, N330 Ex-Jamnagar saw a 3.9% price increase, reaching approximately USD 1220/MT, supported by a moderate rebound in demand for lower-grade rubber applications and selective restocking by downstream manufacturers. The market was also influenced by regional consumption patterns and operational variations across manufacturing hubs. While the overall sentiment remained cautious, the divergence in price movements between the two grades reflected the differing consumption trends and procurement strategies across user industries during Q1 2024.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
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
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
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’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
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