Orion’s Rubber Carbon Black segment reported a pricing drop linked to annual contract agreements, while higher oil prices offered a pass‑through benefit. Demand softness in Western markets led to volume reductions, tightening supply for the commodity.
The IEA sharply lowered its 2026 global oil demand outlook, citing the escalating Mideast conflict and elevated energy prices. The agency now projects a significantly steeper year-on-year decline in consumption than previously forecast, warning that market tightening and demand destruction are accelerating.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Black | China | FOB | USD 1,674.66/MT | October 2026 |
| Carbon Black | India | FOB | USD 1,800.36/MT | October 2026 |
| Carbon Black | China | FOB | USD 1,679.86/MT | September 2026 |
| Carbon Black | India | FOB | USD 1,805.56/MT | September 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Carbon Black prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average price of Carbon Black increased from ~USD 1,236.89/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 1,275.62/MT in August, a rise of ~3.1%. Japan followed with a gain of about 3.2%, from ~USD 1,269.89/MT (CIF) to ~USD 1,309.94/MT, while India rose about 1.7%, from ~USD 1,343.70/MT (FOB) to ~USD 1,366.41/MT. Overall, the Asian market followed an upward trend after a weak July. Chinese prices fell in late July as coal tar auctions softened and tyre demand entered its off-season, then recovered through August. In September, prices surged as coking coal shortages and coke plant cuts tightened coal tar supply. Since coal tar makes up 65–80% of production cost, producers raised offers, though the industry described the rally as cost-driven rather than demand-led. In India, higher crude prices raised feedstock oil costs, while customers bought cautiously.
Europe
The European carbon black market followed a mixed trend, with specialty grades firming while rubber grades stayed under pressure. Specialty prices rose on oil-linked cost pass-through and recovering regional demand, but rubber grades were held back by lower 2026 tyre contract terms and weaker tyre output. In July, the EU imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese passenger car and light truck tyres, which may support regional tyre production and carbon black demand over time.
North America
In the USA, the average price of carbon black rose from nearly USD 1,887.29/MT (FOB) in July to roughly USD 1,945.66/MT in August, up ~3.1%. Overall, North American prices followed a firm trend, as contract formulas passed higher oil-based feedstock costs to buyers. Rubber carbon black volumes in the Americas rose, though producer margins narrowed, while elevated tyre imports continued to weigh on rubber demand.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, carbon black prices are expected to stay elevated while coal tar and feedstock oil costs remain high, though weak tyre demand may limit further increases.
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Asia
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average carbon black price in China was ~RMB 8.38/kg in April and ~RMB 8.09/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~3.5%. Prices fell due to low tyre manufacturing demand and reasonable rise in downstream inventories. Supply from Asia was stable, ensuring that the supply in the region was sufficient amid stable feedstock prices. Meanwhile, the average carbon black price in India was ~INR 122.09/kg in April and ~INR 119.65/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~2.0%.
North America
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average carbon black price in North America was ~USD 1,929.14/MT in April and ~USD 1,309.91/MT in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~32.1%. Prices were highly volatile because of the swings in feedstock-related cost and the fluctuations in operating rates at carbon black facilities. Supply tightness at the beginning of the quarter was succeeded by improved availability amid steady tyre demand.
South America
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average carbon black price in Brazil was ~BRL 7.08/kg in April and ~BRL 7.51/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~6.0%. Prices gained support from the lower import availability and healthy demand from tyre retreading and industrial rubber products. The limited domestic production capacities caused import dependence.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Carbon black prices are expected to remain uneven across regions, with volatility driven mainly by feedstock fluctuations and tyre sector procurement cycles.
Carbon black is a finely divided form of amorphous carbon usually obtained via the partial combustion of hydrocarbons. The carbon black particles are usually spherical and have a high surface area to volume ratio albeit lower than activated carbon. Carbon black varies widely in particle size depending on the process by which they are made. It is often used as a pigment and reinforcing agent primarily in the automotive and rubber industries.
C
Pigments, Reinforcing Agents, Paints/Coatings, Rubber/Plastics, Printing Ink
Channel or impingement black, Furnace black, Thermal black, Lampblack, Acetylene black
Orion Engineered Carbon, Birla Carbon, Phillips Carbon Black Limited, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Shandong Huadong Rubber Types Co., Ltd, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Carbon black is produced via the reaction of a hydrocarbon fuel such as gas or oil with a limited supply of combustion air at high temperatures (1320 to 1540°C). The unburnt carbon is collected as extremely fine fluffy particles.
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The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Carbon Black Production by Lampblack Method. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Carbon Black Production by Channel Method. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Carbon Black Production Via Furnace Method. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
Carbonic Acid Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
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