For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, Carbon Black Feestock prices fell in Q3 2025, due to accumulated inventories and import competition.
• Carbon Black Feestock production costs were mixed; crude oil softened, but producer input costs rose 2.6% in August 2025.
• Carbon Black Feestock demand was mixed; automotive sales strengthened, but downstream demand remained sluggish in Q3.
• Industrial production increased 0.1% in September 2025, limiting raw material demand due to near-stagnant activity.
• Consumer confidence declined to 94.2 in September 2025, indicating weakening optimism and reduced durable goods spending.
• Retail sales, excluding auto and gas, rose 5.42% in September 2025, supporting consumer goods demand.
• Carbon Black Feestock inventories accumulated in Q3 2025, increasing downward price pressure from intensified import competition.
• The forecast suggests continued price stability with downward pressure, driven by high inventories and softening feedstock costs.
Why did the price of Carbon Black Feestock change in September 2025 in North America?
• Crude oil feedstock costs softened in Q3 2025, easing Carbon Black Feestock production costs.
• Industrial production rose 0.1% in September 2025, indicating weak manufacturing demand.
• Carbon black inventories accumulated in Q3 2025, intensifying low-cost import competition.
Europe
• In Germany, the Carbon Black Feedstock Price Index fell in Q3 2025, influenced by contracting industrial activity.
• The Carbon Black Feedstock price forecast indicates continued pressure from subdued downstream demand and inventory buildups.
• Carbon Black Feedstock production costs faced upward pressure from energy costs in Q3 2025, despite lower producer prices.
• Demand for Carbon Black Feedstock was dampened by a 1.0% decline in industrial production in September 2025.
• Automotive demand for Carbon Black Feedstock rebounded sharply in September 2025, offering positive momentum.
• Feedstock oil costs experienced volatility in Q3 2025, with global crude oil markets showing a surplus.
• European Carbon Black Feedstock import patterns shifted, increasing sourcing from Asia after the Russian material ban.
• Industry inventories for Carbon Black Feedstock built up by Q3 2025, reflecting weak downstream demand.
Why did the price of Carbon Black Feedstock change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Industrial production declined 1.0% in September 2025, reducing overall demand for Carbon Black Feedstock.
• Producer prices fell 1.7% in September 2025, driven by lower energy costs, easing production expenses.
• Industry inventories built up by Q3 2025 due to subdued downstream demand, impacting pricing.
APAC
• In China, the Carbon Black Feedstock Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter, driven by weakening crude oil prices and contracting manufacturing activity.
• Carbon Black Feedstock production costs trended lower due to crude oil prices generally weakening through Q3 2025.
• Global oil inventories continued to build in Q3 2025, exerting downward pressure on feedstock costs.
• Demand for Carbon Black Feedstock faced headwinds from a contracting Manufacturing Index in September 2025.
• China's industrial production increased by 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, offering some demand support.
• Consumer confidence at 89.6 in September 2025 indicated pessimism, indirectly dampening demand for carbon black end-products.
• Worldwide carbon black market inventories swelled in July, indicating an oversupply and pressuring prices.
• Automotive demand strengthened in Q3 2025, with new energy vehicle production surging, partially offsetting other demand weaknesses.
• China's CPI declined by 0.3% year-on-year in September 2025, reflecting weak consumer demand for finished goods.
• China's PPI declined by 2.3% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating weak industrial demand and lower input costs.
Why did the price of Carbon Black Feedstock change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Crude oil prices generally weakened through Q3 2025, reducing Carbon Black Feedstock production costs.
• China's Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, signaling reduced industrial demand for feedstock.
• Global observed oil stocks surged in September 2025, contributing to an oversupply environment for feedstock.
