Notifications
16 minutes, 13 seconds
-5 Views 0 Comments 0 Likes 0 Reviews
Carbon black prices showed a mixed but predominantly firm regional trend during August 2026. North America recorded the highest price at USD 2.12/KG, followed by Africa at USD 1.68/KG, Europe at USD 1.62/KG, the Middle East at USD 1.46/KG, and Northeast Asia at USD 1.32/KG. The regional spread reflected differences in feedstock costs, production economics, downstream tire demand, industrial activity, logistics, and local supply availability.
The market remained influenced by developments in coal tar and other feedstocks, operating rates, and procurement activity from tire and rubber manufacturers. Stronger pricing in North America was supported by regional cost and supply conditions, while Northeast Asia remained comparatively competitive despite recording a significant monthly increase. The Carbon Black Price Index indicated a generally firm market, although regional procurement conditions remained uneven.
Regional Carbon Black Prices Outlook – August 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?
North America recorded the highest carbon black price at USD 2.12/KG, while Northeast Asia recorded the lowest at USD 1.32/KG. The USD 0.80/KG spread demonstrates the importance of regional feedstock economics, manufacturing capacity, freight costs, and downstream demand in determining carbon black prices.
North America also registered the strongest upward movement at 18.4%, indicating significant monthly pricing pressure. Northeast Asia increased by 13.8%, while Europe and the Middle East recorded more moderate gains. Africa was the only tracked region to decline, falling 9.2%, reflecting comparatively softer regional market conditions and differences in procurement and supply availability.
Regional Price Analysis of Carbon Black Prices – August 2026
Africa
Africa recorded carbon black prices of USD 1.68/KG, down 9.2% during August. The decline indicated softer regional pricing conditions compared with the other tracked markets, with procurement activity influenced by downstream industrial demand and the availability of imported material.
Demand from tire manufacturing, rubber products, plastics, coatings, and industrial applications remained important. Buyers continued to manage purchases cautiously, balancing inventory requirements against local demand conditions and import-related costs.
Northeast Asia
Northeast Asia recorded prices of USD 1.32/KG, representing a 13.8% increase during August. The region remained comparatively competitive in absolute pricing, but the substantial monthly increase indicated stronger cost and procurement pressure.
Carbon black demand remained closely connected to tire manufacturing, rubber processing, plastics, and industrial applications. Buyers remained attentive to feedstock movements and producer operating rates, while manufacturers continued to manage inventories in response to changing downstream requirements.
Europe
Europe recorded carbon black prices of USD 1.62/KG, increasing 5.2% during August. Pricing was influenced by feedstock availability, manufacturing costs, energy expenses, and demand from automotive and industrial rubber applications.
Tire manufacturers and rubber processors remained key consumers. Procurement teams continued to balance supply security with cost management, particularly as production and logistics expenses remained important components of delivered carbon black pricing.
Middle East
The Middle East recorded carbon black prices of USD 1.46/KG, up 2.1% during August. The comparatively moderate increase reflected a more measured pricing environment, while regional industrial activity and feedstock availability continued to influence supplier quotations.
Demand from tire production, rubber goods, plastics, coatings, and industrial applications provided a stable consumption base. Buyers remained focused on managing imported and locally available material according to production schedules and inventory requirements.
North America
North America recorded the highest carbon black price at USD 2.12/KG and the strongest monthly increase of 18.4%. The sharp movement reflected stronger pricing pressure from feedstock costs, supply conditions, and downstream procurement requirements.
The tire and automotive sectors remained major demand drivers, supported by consumption from industrial rubber, plastics, coatings, and other applications. Procurement managers focused on securing supply while monitoring the impact of rising costs on manufacturing margins.
Supply and Demand Overview – August 2026
Carbon black supply remained closely linked to feedstock availability, particularly carbon-rich petroleum and coal-derived inputs, alongside producer operating rates and processing capacity. Changes in feedstock costs can quickly influence supplier pricing, while maintenance schedules, production adjustments, inventory levels, and logistics affect regional availability.
Overall, the supply-demand balance remained regionally differentiated. Stronger downstream procurement and rising feedstock costs supported price increases in several markets, while Africa experienced a decline, indicating comparatively softer local market conditions.
Key Factors Affecting Prices – Monthly Perspective
Recent Developments (August Highlights)
The August market therefore remained broadly firm, although regional conditions varied substantially. Procurement managers continued to monitor feedstock costs, supplier operating rates, tire-sector demand, and logistics conditions when planning purchases.
For detailed insights, charts, and forecasts, explore: https://www.imarcgroup.com/carbon-black-pricing-report/requestsample
Carbon Black Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement
The Carbon Black Price Chart for August 2026 shows a predominantly upward regional market, with four of the five tracked regions recording increases. North America led both the absolute price level and monthly movement, while Northeast Asia remained the lowest-priced market despite its strong increase.
The price chart helps procurement managers compare regional benchmarks, evaluate supplier quotations, assess sourcing opportunities, and determine inventory requirements. Monitoring monthly movements also helps buyers identify markets where cost pressure is accelerating.
Carbon Black Price Index & Historical Analysis
The Carbon Black Price Index during August 2026 indicated a generally firm market, with four tracked regions recording monthly increases. North America's 18.4% rise and Northeast Asia's 13.8% increase were particularly significant, while Africa's 9.2% decline demonstrated the uneven nature of regional market conditions.
Historically, carbon black pricing has been closely connected to petroleum and coal-derived feedstock costs, tire production cycles, automotive demand, industrial rubber consumption, and producer operating rates. Changes in downstream manufacturing can quickly influence purchasing volumes, while supply interruptions or higher feedstock costs can increase pricing pressure.
Key structural drivers include:
The August 2026 data highlights the importance of regional supply structures. North America's higher price and strong monthly increase contrasted with Northeast Asia's lower absolute price, while Africa's decline demonstrated that local demand and supply conditions can move independently from broader regional trends.
What Is Carbon Black?
Carbon black is a finely divided carbon material produced primarily through the controlled thermal decomposition or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon-based feedstocks. It is valued for its reinforcing properties, electrical conductivity, ultraviolet protection, and pigment characteristics.
The material is produced in specialized industrial facilities and supplied in different grades according to particle size, surface area, structure, purity, and performance requirements. These characteristics determine its suitability for different downstream applications.
Key applications include:
Carbon black is strategically important because it improves durability, strength, wear resistance, pigmentation, and performance in numerous industrial products. The tire sector remains a major consumer, while specialty grades are increasingly relevant to advanced plastics, electronics, batteries, and conductive applications.
Carbon Black Price Forecast – Next 12 Months
The carbon black price outlook for the next 12 months is expected to remain firm-to-volatile. Feedstock costs, tire-sector demand, producer operating rates, energy expenses, and international trade conditions are likely to determine the direction of regional pricing. Markets may continue to show significant differences because of variations in supply availability and manufacturing economics.
Key growth drivers include:
Potential risks include:
Overall, carbon black prices are expected to remain firm-to-volatile over the next 12 months. Cost-side pressures could support supplier pricing, while weaker downstream demand or improved supply availability could limit increases. Procurement teams are likely to maintain flexible purchasing strategies and closely monitor feedstock and tire-industry developments.
FAQs About Carbon Black Prices Insights & Market Analysis
What does the Carbon Black Price Index indicate in August 2026?
The index indicates a predominantly firm regional market, with North America recording the highest price at USD 2.12/KG and an 18.4% increase. Northeast Asia recorded the lowest price at USD 1.32/KG but also registered a strong 13.8% increase.
How does the Carbon Black Price Chart help procurement managers?
The Carbon Black Price Chart helps procurement managers compare regional prices, monitor monthly movements, assess supplier quotations, evaluate sourcing alternatives, and plan inventory according to changing market conditions.
What is the carbon black price forecast for the next 12 months?
Carbon black prices are expected to remain firm-to-volatile, with feedstock costs, tire and automotive demand, production rates, logistics, and international trade flows determining future regional movements.
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.
Contact us:
IMARC Group
134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com
Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800
United States: +1-201971-6302
 Prices August 2026: Price Index, Trends, Chart & Market Analysis){kind=link}
Share this page with your family and friends.