For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Carbon Black Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 13.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger tire demand and tighter feedstock.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1448.00/MT, reflecting firm Gulf Coast spot and contract markets.
- Carbon Black Spot Price showed intermittent strength as tight merchant volumes and export call-offs reduced spot supply.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast indicates modest further gains if tire sector demand persists and feedstock disruption continues.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend moved higher mid-quarter as decant-oil and freight insurance pressures nudged furnace economics.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook remains constructive due to replacement tires, SUV growth and expanding EV battery applications.
- Carbon Black Price Index advanced as merchant supply tightened and Gulf Coast inventories remained near five-year medians.
- Producers kept allocations disciplined, supporting offers; buyers deferred purchases awaiting negotiation leverage and seasonal demand signals near-term.
Carbon Black Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 12.96% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock and logistics disruptions.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1089.33/MT across CFR Tokyo prints.
- Carbon Black Spot Price firming reflected terminal stock draws and elevated import parity against Price Index.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast shows near-term firmness as feedstock shortages and freight surcharges remain widespread.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend reflects higher feedstock and energy inputs, raising conversion expenses industrywide.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook supported by tyre exports and specialty applications, cushioning spot tightness despite muted domestic sales.
- Inventory draws and import allocation cuts tightened supply, prompting producers to pass through higher parity into the Japan Price Index.
- Export disruptions, duty increases and feedstock bottlenecks escalated landed costs, reinforcing bullish signals in Carbon Black Spot Price.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Feedstock supply disruptions and ENEOS slurry reductions constrained furnace-black output, tightening available domestic and importable volumes.
- Rising Brent crude and energy tariffs increased conversion and logistics costs, pushing delivered parity and producer offers upwards.
- Strait of Hormuz vessel bottlenecks and freight surcharges delayed cargoes, elevating landed costs and compressing spot availability.
Carbon Black Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 22.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting robust regional automotive-driven demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1091.00/MT per contractual and spot channels.
- Supply discipline and tight spot allocations lifted Carbon Black Spot Price, tightening physical availability across regional distributors.
- Analysts revised the Carbon Black Price Forecast higher as energy-driven feedstock costs increased and buyers resumed cautious restocking.
- Elevated gas tariffs influenced the Carbon Black Production Cost Trend, reducing producer margins and prompting selective contract pass-through.
- Strong automotive aftermarkets supported the Carbon Black Demand Outlook, sustaining firmer contract inquiries and measured spot purchases.
- Inventory positions remained near averages, keeping the Carbon Black Price Index restrained despite periodic seller list adjustments.
- Logistics and elevated freight insurance pushed input costs higher, indirectly sustaining upward pressure on Carbon Black market.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Elevated natural-gas and freight insurance costs increased production and logistics expenses, pressuring suppliers to raise offers.
- Strong automotive aftermarket demand and restocking supported higher offtake, tightening spot availability across Germany nationwide.
- Seller initiated list adjustments amid geopolitical energy volatility amplified upward sentiment despite balanced domestic production.
Carbon Black Prices in MEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 4.11% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer import demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1242.00/MT during Q1, reflecting mixed weekly prints.
- Carbon Black Spot Price tightened as pre-Ramadan procurement and thin cargo availability reduced spot parcel liquidity.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast indicates continued firmness near current levels amid geopolitical and shipping risk premiums.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock and natural gas availability kept operating expenses flat.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook improved with tire, masterbatch and adhesives commissioning lifting downstream offtake in March.
- Carbon Black Price Index strength reflected inventory draws at ports and converters switching to blanket quarterly purchases.
- Export demand and regional logistics disruptions elevated risk premia, supporting sustained seller resistance to discounts.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Tighter Indian and Chinese export availability reduced prompt CFR cargoes, raising landed costs and tightening spot supply.
- Pre-Ramadan front-loading and steady tyre plant drawdowns depleted distributors inventories, increasing immediate demand pressure significantly.
- Middle East conflict raised transport risk premiums and freight uncertainty, amplifying price sensitivity despite stable feedstock flows.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in March 2026 in North America?
- Robust tire and automotive demand increased offtake, tightening merchant supply and elevating spot market pressure.
- Feedstock disruptions and rising freight insurance pushed production costs upward, supporting Carbon Black Price Index.
- Balanced inventories and steady Gulf Coast refinery output limited immediate downside, moderating short-term price volatility.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Carbon Black Prices in North America
- In USA, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 4.57% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supportive domestic demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1281.00/MT, reflecting delivered mixes.
- Carbon Black Spot Price firmed as tire makers and battery buyers increased enquiries in December.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast shows upside as procurement rules and battery contracts sustain domestic demand.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend remained muted as decant-oil stability offset modest natural-gas cost increases.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook stayed firm for tire and specialty battery applications despite OEM slowdowns.
- Carbon Black Price Index benefited from Buy America procurement and battery supply agreements tightening availability.
- Logistics stability and plant utilization constrained volatility, keeping delivered spreads narrow amid regional inventory balance.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in December 2025 in North America?
- Robust tire and specialty demand front-loaded purchases, tightening spot availability, supporting upward delivered price pressure.
- Stable decant-oil and modest natural-gas movements kept production costs contained, reducing immediate cost-push inflation effects.
- Logistics and inland freight remained benign, while anti-dumping duties and procurement rules redirected volumes.
Carbon Black Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 2.7% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample import supply.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 964.33/MT per CFR Tokyo.
- Carbon Black Spot Price showed limited movement amid balanced imports and routine tyre-sector procurement schedules.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast projects variability as freight softness and steady production constrain upward pressure.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend remained subdued, lower crude inputs offset modest electricity cost increases.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook remains stable given consistent tyre OEM schedules and modest export demand.
- Carbon Black Price Index eased quarter then recovered as energy costs and export demand firmed.
- Domestic furnace-black units ran while imports from China and Korea increased inventories, limiting spot rallies.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Comfortable domestic furnace production combined with steady imports kept supply ample, limiting upward price movement.
- Softer freight rates and yen appreciation trimmed landed costs, reducing import-parity cost pressure for buyers.
- Weak domestic tyre demand provided steady offtake but prevented significant restocking, keeping prices range-bound overall.
Carbon Black Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 9.15% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter logistics pressures.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was USD 893.33/MT during tight December availability.
- Carbon Black Spot Price firmed as barge arrivals tightened prompt supply and elevated domestic offers.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast suggests limited upside while balanced downstream demand contains sustained price momentum.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend moved higher as fuel-oil and electricity increases raised conversion expenses.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook remains steady supported by replacement-tyre restocking and normal OEM manufacturing schedules.
- Carbon Black Price Index strength reflected thin Hamburg inventories and higher import surcharges affecting pricing.
- Domestic producer operating rates remained elevated while constrained imports supported firmer FD offers across contract.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Rhine low water constrained barge traffic, increasing inland transport costs and reducing Carbon Black availability.
- Higher fuel-oil and electricity prices raised furnace conversion costs, lifting German production cost bases materially.
- Thin Hamburg inventories plus elevated import surcharges prompted buyers to accept higher December offers promptly.
Carbon Black Prices in MEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 7.37% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1264.67/MT, reported by Jebel Ali.
- Carbon Black Spot Price was pressured by steady imports and ample inventories at Jebel Ali port.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast indicates range-bound December momentum as freight stability offsets weaker tyre-sector restocking near-term.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend eased with stable gas and feedstock flows reducing cost-push on offers.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook stayed subdued as OEM tyre production remained steady while spot procurement declined.
- Carbon Black Price Index reflected twelve-week bearish trend despite smooth port operations and steady export flows.
- Carbon Black Spot Price movements were influenced by continuous ADNOC feedstock availability and lack of congestion.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Ample imported cargoes and uninterrupted ADNOC feedstock deliveries removed supply risk and pressured December prices.
- Stable freight and gas costs limited cost-push, while AED-USD peg kept landed-cost calculations steady overall.
- Resilient tyre and rubber consumption offset declines, but spot buying remained cautious due to inventories.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Carbon Black Prices in North America
- In USA, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 3.8% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted downstream demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1225.00/MT, indicating balanced inventories.
- Carbon Black Spot Price held flat amid steady domestic flows while Price Index remained range-bound.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast signals slight downside into autumn given persistent inventories and cautious procurement.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend remained muted as softer crude balanced firmer natural gas costs.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook points to tepid tire and industrial buying, replacement demand marginally supportive.
- Carbon Black Price Index faced pressure from elevated inventories and weak export interest reducing bids.
- Major Gulf Carbon Black producers ran at capacity, supporting supply and marginally limiting upward pressure.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in September 2025 in North America?
- Abundant domestic production and minimal Gulf maintenance increased availability, reducing price pressure during September month.
- Mixed feedstock pricing, with softer crude offsetting firmer gas, stabilized production cost trends for producers.
- Strong distribution networks and weaker export demand constrained upward momentum for domestic spot prices overall.
Carbon Black Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 11.89% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak tyre demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 991.00/MT, reflecting CFR imports.
- Carbon Black Spot Price remained range-bound as imports matched muted downstream buying and port throughput.
- The Carbon Black Price Forecast signals near-term volatility driven by terminal disruptions and tyre demand.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend eased as crude softened and freight declines lowered landed costs.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook remains weak with OEM tyre orders subdued and buyers managing inventory.
- Elevated inventories and steady inbound shipments pressured margins, reflecting in the Carbon Black Price Index.
- Major producers maintained output; origin disruptions briefly tightened supply, supporting localized Carbon Black Spot Price.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Tightened terminal operations and blank sailings in September compressed throughput, temporarily restricting inbound CFR volumes.
- Soft domestic tyre demand and cautious restocking reduced spot buying, amplifying downward pressure on indices.
- Eased crude and lower intra-Asia freight lowered production costs, limiting justification for higher CFR offers.
Carbon Black Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Carbon Black Price Index fell by 20.24% quarter-over-quarter, Q3 2025, reflecting weak demand.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1103.33/MT, reflecting weak offtake.
- Regional Carbon Black Spot Price weakened; distributors reduced offers to clear elevated warehouse stocks during quarter.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend slightly eased because natural gas and coal tar input costs moderated.
- Current Carbon Black Demand Outlook remains muted owing to subdued tyre manufacturing and OEM procurement plans.
- Carbon Black Price Forecast suggests limited upside unless unexpected kiln outages or significant tyre restocking occurs.
- Monitoring shows Carbon Black Price Index trending lower with ample domestic supply and import parity pressure.
- Sellers prioritized volume, adjusting domestic offers aligned with Carbon Black Production Cost Trend and logistics.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Weak tyre and rubber demand reduced offtake, leaving distributors with elevated inventories and subdued purchase intent.
- Eased feedstock costs from lower gas and coal tar modestly lowered production costs, pressuring spot sellers.
- Port and rail congestion intermittently delayed deliveries, yet improved freight parity and import competition weighed on prices.
Carbon Black Prices in MEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Carbon Black Price Index rose by 0.29% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting imports.
- The average Carbon Black price for the quarter was approximately USD 1285.33/MT, reflecting steady imports.
- Balanced inventories and steady buying kept the Carbon Black Spot Price range-bound despite feedstock signals.
- Freight easing and import reliability influenced the Carbon Black Price Forecast, suggesting limited near-term volatility.
- Lower residual fuel and coal tar costs moderated the Carbon Black Production Cost Trend quarter-over-quarter.
- Moderate automotive and tyre activity shaped the Carbon Black Demand Outlook, sustaining predictable regional offtake.
- Port operations at Jebel Ali maintained continuity, stabilizing the Carbon Black Price Index and delivery.
- Exports and regional re-exports, coupled with adequate inventories, limited abrupt Carbon Black Spot Price volatility.
Why did the price of Carbon Black change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Elevated regional crude production increased feedstock availability, easing landed costs and pressuring CFR offers downward.
- Stable port operations and soft freight rates ensured predictable imports, reducing spot discount urgency for sellers.
- Muted downstream tyre demand and adequate inventories limited buying intensity, effectively keeping prices broadly range-bound.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Carbon Black Prices in North America
- The Carbon Black Price Index FOB Texas exhibited a mixed trend as of Q2 2025, exhibiting a slight decline during April, followed by moderate recoveries in May and June. The quarter closed at about USD 1,610/tonne, under pressure from low tyre sector offtake and high inventory levels.
- Why did the price of Carbon Black change in July 2025?
July saw downward pressure on the Carbon Black Spot Price due to excess inventory build-up in Texas and Louisiana, and subdued restocking activity across tyre and mechanical rubber goods manufacturers. Freight cost stability failed to stimulate demand recovery.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 remains cautious. Tyre replacement demand is expected to remain soft, and while OEM recovery might slightly lift volumes, overall sentiment is neutral.
- Inland trucking conditions remained fluid; no major congestion was reported at U.S. Gulf Coast ports. However, buyers were seen negotiating harder on delivered cost amid competitive imports.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend remained mostly stable due to steady coal tar feedstock values. Natural gas input costs were relatively benign, but margins were thin due to discounting pressure.
- Prices may stabilize in Q3, although a strong rebound is unlikely unless tyre orders improve or import disruptions occur.
Carbon Black Prices in Europe
- The Carbon Black Price Index (FD Northwest Europe) declined by 1.9% over Q2 2025, closing near USD 1,740/tonne. FD Rotterdam prices were especially pressured by soft tyre and industrial rubber consumption.
- Why did the price of Carbon Black change in July 2025?
The decline continued into July due to weak OEM tyre offtake and excess imports, particularly from Eastern Europe. Additionally, reduced output from the auto sector in Germany weighed on bulk carbon black usage.
- The Netherlands saw the sharpest dip due to high coal tar inventories and sluggish demand from inland EU buyers. Exporters were seen rerouting excess stock to Turkey and North Africa.
- A flat trajectory is anticipated. The construction sector offered limited support, while OEMs stayed cautious amid high interest rates and geopolitical disruptions.
- Carbon Black Production Cost Trend was moderately bearish. Natural gas prices eased during Q2, but freight normalization increased landed cost for imports.
- Prices may remain subdued or dip slightly in Q3 unless tyre replacement rates improve in Central and Eastern Europe.
Carbon Black Prices in APAC
- The Carbon Black Price Index (FOB Qingdao) dropped consistently across Q2 — down 2.4% in April, 3.6% in May, and 1.2% in June, ending around USD 1,280/tonne, driven by soft overseas buying and domestic overcapacity.
- Why did the price of Carbon Black change in July 2025?
The spot market stayed under pressure as Chinese exports slowed, impacted by tariffs and lower US and EU restocking interest. Inland demand weakened further due to muted tyre production during the off-season.
- Carbon Black Demand Outlook: Southeast Asia may see modest recovery, but China’s export volumes are likely to remain capped by Western trade tensions and excessive inland inventory.
- Spot price pressure was aggravated by logistics slowdowns at Qingdao Port, restricting warehouse throughput and delaying shipments to South Asia and Latin America.
- Feedstock coal tar pitch and RFO costs declined, tightening producer margins. Several small producers reduced run rates due to unviable spreads.
- Q3 pricing is likely to stay soft, with occasional upticks if exports to India or Southeast Asia pick up.
Carbon Black Prices in Middle East & Africa
- The Carbon Black Price Index (CFR Jebel Ali) edged down by 1.8% over Q2, closing around USD 1,380/tonne. Soft regional tyre compounder demand and stable logistics defined the quarter.
- Why did the price of Carbon Black change in July 2025?
Prices dipped further in July as importers from India and East Africa reduced bookings, and UAE compounders opted for deferred procurement. Sluggish oil-based downstream sectors also played a role.
- could remain flat as infrastructure-linked rubber demand in GCC is yet to rebound. Heatwaves and delayed public works dampened domestic usage.
- No major shifts in July. However, U.S.-China tariff disputes had indirect impact on UAE buyers relying on re-export flows via China.
- Feedstock RFO and coal tar pricing saw no major spike. Refinery-linked producers retained some cost competitiveness, but operating rates remained flexible.
- Prices are expected to remain under pressure in Q3 unless North African demand improves or GCC compounders increase spot intake.
