US Carbon Black markets softened into mid-May after a mixed April, as weekly assessments turned down with demand cooling and producers facing softer economics from lower crude and aromatics. Still, steady furnace utilization and export inquiries cushioned the decline in the Carbon Black, keeping markets cautious. Logistics remained orderly, while typical summer demand softness could cap upside for Carbon Black. Demand was uneven across end-use sectors. Automotive and tyre demand remained the primary anchor for Carbon Black on healthier vehicle output, with North American light-vehicle assemblies up versus prior period and replacement tire shipments holding firm. In contrast, construction rubber goods showed softer activity amid flat non-residential demand and only modest cement gains. On the supply side, major Texas and Louisiana furnaces operated well above standard thresholds, sustaining output and avoiding tightness. Inventories stayed around normal levels, and late-April bids edged lower. Looking ahead, analysts see a modest upside of around 5% for Carbon Black, driven by feedstock and energy cost dynamics, export availability, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, tempered by seasonal demand rhythms.
