Carbon Black Prices Trend Analysis with Index and Quarterly Forecast Prices

Author : Bobby Yadav | Published On : 23 Oct 2026

Global Carbon Black Prices recorded increases across four of the five assessed regions in September 2026, while North America registered a slight decline. The Middle East experienced the strongest increase at 24.7%, followed by Africa at 19.6%, Europe at 15.4%, and Northeast Asia at 10.6%. North America recorded a marginal decrease of 0.5%. The regional movements highlight differing cost pressures, supply conditions, and purchasing dynamics across carbon black markets.

Carbon black is an important industrial material used primarily in tire manufacturing, rubber products, plastics, coatings, and inks. Its pricing is influenced by feedstock costs, energy expenses, production capacity, logistics, and demand from downstream industries. The September assessment provides procurement teams with regional benchmarks for comparing sourcing options, evaluating supplier quotations, and monitoring input-cost exposure. Tracking carbon black prices alongside feedstock availability and manufacturing demand can support inventory planning, purchasing decisions, and cost management.

For detailed insights, charts, and forecasts, explore: https://www.imarcgroup.com/carbon-black-pricing-report/requestsample

Regional Carbon Black Prices Outlook – September 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?

Africa: USD 2.01/KG (19.6% ↑ Up)
Northeast Asia: USD 1.46/KG (10.6% ↑ Up)
Europe: USD 1.87/KG (15.4% ↑ Up)
Middle East: USD 1.82/KG (24.7% ↑ Up)
North America: USD 2.11/KG (-0.5% ↓ Down)

North America recorded the highest reported carbon black price at USD 2.11/KG, despite a slight decline of 0.5%. Africa followed at USD 2.01/KG, while Europe and the Middle East registered USD 1.87/KG and USD 1.82/KG, respectively. Northeast Asia had the lowest reported price at USD 1.46/KG. These differences highlight the importance of regional production economics, feedstock availability, energy costs, logistics, and downstream purchasing requirements.

The Middle East recorded the strongest percentage increase, at 24.7%, while North America was the only assessed region to report a decline. Africa and Europe also experienced substantial increases, and Northeast Asia registered a more moderate rise. Procurement teams should evaluate both absolute prices and percentage movements when comparing offers, while considering product grades, delivery terms, supplier availability, and total landed costs.

Regional Price Analysis of Carbon Black Prices – September 2026

Africa

Carbon black prices in Africa reached USD 2.01/KG in September 2026, increasing by 19.6%. The reported movement indicates substantially higher pricing during the period, although the supplied figures do not establish the specific causes. Regional costs can be influenced by feedstock availability, production capacity, import requirements, transportation expenses, and distribution infrastructure. Tire manufacturing, rubber products, and plastics represent important applications for carbon black. Procurement teams can compare supplier quotations, evaluate delivery schedules, and monitor feedstock costs to manage purchasing budgets and maintain material availability.

Northeast Asia

Carbon black prices in Northeast Asia increased by 10.6% to USD 1.46/KG in September 2026, the lowest absolute price among the five assessed regions. Regional pricing is influenced by feedstock costs, production capacity, energy expenses, and demand from tire and rubber manufacturers. Plastics, coatings, and inks also contribute to industrial consumption. Buyers should monitor producer offers, inventory levels, and downstream manufacturing requirements when planning purchases. Comparing equivalent grades, performance specifications, and delivery terms can help procurement teams assess sourcing alternatives while managing exposure to changing material costs.

Europe

Carbon black prices in Europe reached USD 1.87/KG in September 2026, rising by 15.4%. The increase highlights the importance of monitoring feedstock availability, energy costs, production economics, and downstream demand when assessing regional procurement conditions. Tire manufacturing, industrial rubber products, plastics, coatings, and printing inks are important end-use applications. Buyers can review supplier contracts, replacement costs, and inventory coverage while evaluating available supply. Monitoring feedstock-linked pricing and delivery lead times can help manufacturers manage purchasing decisions and assess the potential effect of higher input costs on production budgets.

Middle East

Carbon black prices in the Middle East increased by 24.7% to USD 1.82/KG in September 2026, recording the strongest percentage rise among the assessed regions. The movement indicates a substantial increase in reported pricing, although the supplied data does not identify the contribution of individual market factors. Feedstock costs, production conditions, logistics, and demand from rubber and plastics manufacturers can influence regional pricing. Procurement teams should monitor producer quotations, shipment availability, and inventory requirements while reviewing contract terms. These measures can help businesses assess purchasing exposure and maintain reliable supplies for downstream production.

North America

Carbon black prices in North America stood at USD 2.11/KG in September 2026, declining by 0.5%. Despite the marginal decrease, the region recorded the highest absolute price among the assessed markets. Pricing conditions can be influenced by feedstock costs, manufacturing expenses, inventory availability, and demand from tire producers and industrial rubber manufacturers. Carbon black is also used in plastics, coatings, and inks. Buyers can evaluate supplier quotations, delivery terms, and contract pricing mechanisms to determine how the reported decline affects replacement costs and procurement budgets.

Supply and Demand Overview – September 2026

Carbon black supply depends on the availability of suitable hydrocarbon feedstocks, production capacity, operating rates, energy expenses, and distribution infrastructure. Conventional furnace black production relies heavily on petroleum-derived feedstocks, making input costs an important consideration for manufacturers. Plant operations, maintenance schedules, inventory positions, and transportation conditions can influence regional availability. Differences in production economics and import requirements may also contribute to variations in delivered prices. The September assessment shows increases in four regions alongside a slight decline in North America, indicating different reported pricing conditions across markets.

Demand is closely connected to tire manufacturing, automotive production, industrial rubber applications, plastics, coatings, and printing inks. Purchasing requirements depend on manufacturing output, product specifications, inventory policies, and the ability of downstream businesses to accommodate changes in input costs.

Tire manufacturing: High structural demand for reinforcement, durability, and performance in tire compounds.
Rubber products: Demand from hoses, belts, seals, gaskets, and other industrial rubber applications.
Plastics: Use as a pigment and functional additive in selected plastic products and components.
Coatings and paints: Demand for black pigmentation, opacity, and selected functional properties.
Printing inks: Use as a pigment in black inks for commercial and industrial printing applications.

The overall market balance depends on feedstock costs, production availability, and downstream purchasing activity. Procurement teams should compare regional benchmarks with supplier-specific quotations, product grades, and delivery costs before adjusting purchasing volumes or inventory policies.

Key Factors Affecting Prices – Monthly Perspective

Raw Material Availability: Carbon black production depends on suitable hydrocarbon feedstocks, including petroleum-derived materials. Changes in feedstock supply and pricing can influence manufacturing costs and producer quotations.
Downstream Demand: Tire manufacturing, automotive production, industrial rubber, plastics, coatings, and inks contribute to consumption. Changes in production schedules and order volumes can affect purchasing requirements.
Logistics: Freight costs, transportation, storage, and distribution affect delivered carbon black prices. Import dependence and shipment delays can influence material availability and procurement lead times.
Energy Costs: Carbon black production requires energy for processing and associated operations. Changes in fuel and electricity expenses can affect manufacturing economics and operating costs.
Trade Dynamics: Imports, exports, regional production capacity, and supplier availability influence market conditions. Buyers should compare offers using consistent grades, delivery terms, and total landed costs.

Recent Developments (September 2026 Highlights)

Industry Developments: Carbon black remained an important industrial input for tire manufacturing, rubber products, plastics, coatings, and inks, with regional prices reflecting varied movements during September.
Supply Developments: Feedstock availability, plant operating conditions, production costs, and inventory management remained relevant considerations for manufacturers and distributors planning carbon black supply.
Logistics Developments: Freight expenses, storage, transportation, and shipment reliability continued to influence the delivered cost and availability of industrial carbon black.
Demand and Production Developments: Tire and rubber manufacturing remained important sources of structural demand. Changes in automotive production, industrial activity, and downstream purchasing schedules can influence consumption and producer pricing decisions.

Carbon Black Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement

The September 2026 carbon black assessment shows a predominantly upward regional pricing pattern. The Middle East recorded the largest increase at 24.7%, while North America experienced a marginal decline of 0.5%. The supplied figures establish reporting-period movements but do not provide daily or weekly observations.

Early September: No separate early-month price observation has been supplied. Feedstock costs, production availability, and initial purchasing requirements are relevant indicators for evaluating starting market conditions.
Mid-September: The available data does not establish a verified mid-month movement. Changes in feedstock prices, plant operating rates, and downstream manufacturing demand would be useful indicators for further analysis.
Late September: The reporting-period figures confirm increases in four regions and a slight decline in North America, but the timing of these changes cannot be established from the supplied data.

Price charts help procurement teams compare regional price movements, assess supplier quotations, and plan purchasing schedules. When combined with historical observations, feedstock benchmarks, and inventory information, chart analysis can support contract negotiations, cost management, and sourcing decisions.

Carbon Black Price Index & Historical Analysis

The September 2026 assessment indicates an upward price direction across Africa, Northeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while North America registered a marginal decline. The Middle East recorded the strongest increase at 24.7%, whereas Northeast Asia had the lowest absolute price at USD 1.46/KG. North America maintained the highest reported price at USD 2.11/KG.

A longer-term historical comparison requires consistent observations from previous reporting periods. The supplied figures establish September price levels and movements but do not provide sufficient information to determine cumulative price changes or longer-term market cycles.

Three structural drivers are particularly relevant:

Raw material availability: Petroleum-derived feedstocks and other suitable hydrocarbon inputs influence carbon black production costs.
Production and processing capacity: Plant utilization, energy expenses, maintenance requirements, and production efficiency affect regional supply availability.
Downstream manufacturing cycles: Changes in tire production, automotive manufacturing, industrial rubber demand, and plastics consumption influence purchasing requirements.

For procurement planning, the regional assessment provides a benchmark for evaluating supplier offers and identifying differences in reported market conditions. Combining current prices with consistent historical data and feedstock information can help businesses distinguish short-term movements from longer-term trends.

What Is Carbon Black?

Carbon black is a finely divided form of elemental carbon produced primarily through the controlled thermal decomposition or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon feedstocks. Commercial grades are manufactured under controlled conditions to achieve specific particle characteristics, surface properties, and performance requirements. These properties make carbon black valuable as a reinforcing agent, pigment, and functional additive in numerous industrial materials.

Its principal applications include tire manufacturing, rubber products, plastics, coatings, paints, and printing inks. Different grades are selected according to requirements such as reinforcement, color intensity, conductivity, durability, and resistance to environmental exposure.

𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

Tire manufacturing: Used to reinforce rubber compounds and improve durability and wear performance.
Industrial rubber: Incorporated into hoses, belts, seals, gaskets, and other rubber components.
Plastics: Used as a black pigment and functional additive in selected polymer applications.
Coatings and paints: Provides black coloration and contributes to selected protective and functional properties.
Printing inks: Used as a pigment in black inks for commercial and industrial printing.

Three structural drivers are particularly relevant:

Feedstock economics: Hydrocarbon feedstock availability and costs influence production expenses.
Manufacturing capacity: Processing technology, operating efficiency, and plant utilization affect product availability and cost.
Downstream demand: Tire, automotive, rubber, plastics, and coatings manufacturing influence carbon black consumption.

Carbon black is strategically important to manufacturers seeking consistent material performance and reliable supply. Monitoring its prices helps procurement teams manage raw material budgets, evaluate supplier alternatives, and maintain production continuity.

Carbon Black Price Forecast – Next 12 Months

Over the next 12 months, carbon black prices may remain sensitive to feedstock costs, production availability, energy expenses, and demand from tire and industrial rubber manufacturers. The September 2026 assessment shows increases in four regions and a marginal decline in North America. However, these reporting-period movements alone do not establish whether the same direction will persist.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

Tire production: Higher tire manufacturing activity could support demand for reinforcing carbon black grades.
Automotive manufacturing: Increased vehicle production may strengthen demand for tires and other rubber components.
Industrial rubber applications: Demand for hoses, belts, seals, and other engineered rubber products may support consumption.
Plastics and coatings: Manufacturing requirements for black pigments and functional additives may contribute to demand.
Feedstock cost increases: Higher hydrocarbon and energy costs could raise production expenses and influence supplier quotations.

𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

Lower feedstock costs: Declining hydrocarbon prices could ease production-cost pressures.
Weaker tire demand: Slower automotive activity or reduced tire replacement demand could affect purchasing volumes.
Increased supply availability: Higher production output could improve market availability and intensify supplier competition.
Energy cost reductions: Lower energy expenses could reduce manufacturing costs.
Inventory adjustments: Reduced replenishment requirements or weaker downstream orders could moderate short-term demand.

Overall, the carbon black price outlook will depend on the interaction between feedstock economics, regional supply conditions, and downstream industrial demand. Procurement teams should monitor hydrocarbon costs, plant operating rates, tire production, inventory levels, and supplier quotations. Flexible sourcing arrangements and disciplined inventory planning can help businesses manage price uncertainty without relying on unsupported numerical forecasts.

FAQs About Carbon Black Prices Insights & Market Analysis

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐱 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔?

The September 2026 assessment shows increases in Africa, Northeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while North America recorded a 0.5% decline. The Middle East experienced the strongest increase at 24.7%, and North America had the highest reported price at USD 2.11/KG.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬?

A carbon black price chart helps procurement managers compare regional prices, monitor reporting-period movements, assess supplier quotations, and plan inventory requirements. Combined with feedstock and supply-chain information, it supports sourcing decisions, contract negotiations, and cost management.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝟏𝟐 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬?

Carbon black prices may remain sensitive to feedstock costs, production availability, energy expenses, and demand from tire, rubber, plastics, and coatings manufacturers. The September assessment indicates divergent regional pricing conditions, but future prices will depend on how these factors evolve.

How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help

The latest IMARC Group study, "Carbon Black Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition," provides a detailed analysis of Carbon Black price trends and global market dynamics. The report covers price movements, regional developments, demand patterns, supply conditions, and the factors influencing current and future prices.

The analysis examines the relationship between raw material costs, production conditions, downstream demand, logistics, trade flows, and regional market developments. By exploring the interaction between supply and demand, the pricing analysis provides businesses with useful insights into current market conditions and future pricing dynamics.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝟓𝟎𝟎+ 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: https://www.imarcgroup.com/pricing-intelligence

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that provides a comprehensive suite of services to support market entry and expansion efforts. The company offers detailed market assessments, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and licensing support, and pricing analysis, including spot pricing and regional price trends. Its expertise spans demand-supply analysis alongside regional insights covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. IMARC also specializes in competitive landscape evaluations, profiling key market players, and conducting research into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. IMARC's data-driven approach helps businesses navigate complex markets with precision and confidence.

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