Novorossiysk (Russia): In May xxxx, Russian Carbon Black prices continued to improve, driven by increased demand from downstream markets, particularly the recovering secondary automobile market. The uptick in demand is complemented by rising movements across Black Sea freights and shadow fleets delivering Russian Carbon Black to the Danube. According to market intelligence, Danube&#xx;s traffic saw a xxx quarter-on-quarter recovery in Qx xxxx due to rising temperatures and increased water levels.
This increase in trade flows from the Black Sea, including LNG supply from Russia to Europe, has helped stabilize European gas prices, benefiting European crackers and tire markets. Russian Carbon Black Nxxx grade FOB Novorossiysk was assessed at USD xxxx/MT in early May xxxx, reflecting a xx year-on-year recovery. This price increase is attributed to higher crude availability for Russian refineries and a tightening supply, which boosted Carbon Black demand in Russian markets during Qx xxxx.
