Carbon black prices recorded predominantly upward movements across the assessed regions in September 2026, with the Middle East reporting the strongest increase of 24.7%. Africa followed with a 19.6% rise, while Europe and Northeast Asia increased by 15.4% and 10.6%, respectively. North America was the only region to register a decline, with prices decreasing by 0.5%.
Africa recorded a price of USD 2.01/KG, while North America had the highest assessed price at USD 2.11/KG. Northeast Asia reported the lowest price at USD 1.46/KG. The regional differences highlight varying supply conditions, feedstock economics, and downstream purchasing requirements across the carbon black market.
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Regional Carbon Black Prices Outlook – September 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?
- North America: USD 2.11/KG (-0.5% ↓ Down)
- Africa: USD 2.01/KG (19.6% ↑ Up)
- Europe: USD 1.87/KG (15.4% ↑ Up)
- Middle East: USD 1.82/KG (24.7% ↑ Up)
- Northeast Asia: USD 1.46/KG (10.6% ↑ Up)
North America recorded the highest carbon black price at USD 2.11/KG, despite being the only region to experience a decline. Northeast Asia had the lowest assessed price at USD 1.46/KG. The Middle East registered the strongest increase, indicating a pronounced upward movement in its September assessment. Africa and Europe also experienced notable rises.
These differences demonstrate the importance of evaluating regional feedstock availability, production economics, import exposure, and transportation costs. Buyers should compare prices on a consistent grade and delivery basis, particularly when sourcing carbon black for tire, rubber, plastics, and industrial applications.
Regional Price Analysis of Carbon Black Prices – September 2026
Africa
Carbon black prices in Africa stood at USD 2.01/KG in September 2026, increasing by 19.6%. Regional pricing can be influenced by imported material availability, freight expenses, currency movements, and demand from tire and rubber manufacturers. Buyers should assess supplier reliability, shipment schedules, and landed costs when negotiating procurement contracts, particularly where domestic production or distribution capacity is limited.
Northeast Asia
In Northeast Asia, carbon black prices reached USD 1.46/KG, rising by 10.6%. The region's manufacturing base supports consumption across tires, rubber goods, plastics, and industrial products. Feedstock costs, production operating rates, and downstream purchasing activity can influence supplier quotations. Procurement teams should monitor local availability and compare offers across suppliers while considering product grades and delivery specifications.
Europe
European carbon black prices were recorded at USD 1.87/KG, reflecting a 15.4% increase. Demand from tire manufacturing, automotive components, industrial rubber, coatings, and plastics contributes to regional consumption. Production expenses, energy costs, feedstock procurement, and imported supply conditions can affect pricing. Buyers should review supplier quotations and evaluate the effect of transportation and contract terms on total purchasing costs.
Middle East
Carbon black prices in the Middle East reached USD 1.82/KG in September 2026, increasing by 24.7%, the strongest movement among the five reported regions. Demand from tire production, rubber manufacturing, plastics, and industrial applications can influence regional purchasing requirements. Feedstock availability, production economics, and import logistics are also relevant to market conditions. Buyers should review inventory coverage and sourcing arrangements in light of the sharp reported increase.
North America
North American carbon black prices stood at USD 2.11/KG, declining by 0.5%. Despite the slight decrease, the region recorded the highest price among the assessed markets. Tire manufacturing, automotive production, industrial rubber, and plastics remain important demand segments. Buyers should monitor domestic supplier availability, feedstock costs, and import competition while assessing whether the reported decline is reflected in their individual purchasing contracts.
Supply and Demand Overview – September 2026
Carbon black is produced primarily through the furnace black process, which uses heavy aromatic feedstocks and controlled combustion conditions. Supply is influenced by feedstock availability, energy expenses, plant operating rates, maintenance, environmental requirements, and transportation. Differences in production capacity and import dependence can contribute to regional variations in availability and delivered prices.
Demand is supported by several downstream industries:
- Tire manufacturing: The largest application area, using carbon black to reinforce rubber and improve durability and performance.
- Automotive components: Used in hoses, belts, seals, and other rubber components.
- Industrial rubber: Supports manufacturing of conveyor belts, vibration-control products, and industrial goods.
- Plastics: Used as a pigment and functional additive in selected plastic products.
- Inks and coatings: Provides black pigmentation and other performance characteristics in specific formulations.
The September assessments show upward movements in four regions, with the Middle East recording the largest increase. North America moved slightly lower. These observations indicate divergent regional price conditions but do not independently establish the precise supply-demand causes behind each movement.
Key Factors Affecting Prices – Monthly Perspective
- Raw Material Availability: The supply and cost of heavy aromatic oils and other carbon black feedstocks influence production expenses.
- Downstream Demand: Tire, automotive, rubber, plastics, and industrial manufacturing activity affects purchasing volumes.
- Logistics: Freight, port handling, and inland transportation influence delivered costs, especially in import-dependent markets.
- Energy Costs: Fuel and electricity expenses affect carbon black manufacturing and plant operating economics.
- Trade Dynamics: Import availability, export flows, exchange rates, and regional sourcing arrangements can influence local price levels.
Recent Developments (September 2026 Highlights)
- Industry conditions: Carbon black production remained closely connected to feedstock procurement, energy requirements, manufacturing efficiency, and environmental compliance.
- Supply conditions: Differences in regional price movements highlight the importance of local production capacity, supplier inventories, imported material availability, and distribution networks.
- Logistics conditions: Freight expenses, port operations, and inland transportation continue to influence delivered carbon black costs, particularly in markets dependent on imports.
- Demand conditions: Tire manufacturing remains a key consumption driver, alongside demand from automotive components, industrial rubber, plastics, inks, and coatings.
Carbon Black Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement
- Early September: No separate early-month price observations were provided, so an opening-month price level cannot be established.
- Mid-September: No mid-month assessments were supplied to identify intermediate price changes or turning points.
- Late September: The reported movements show increases in Africa, Northeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while North America recorded a slight decline of 0.5%.
The supplied percentage changes provide a monthly regional comparison rather than a daily price series. Weekly or daily assessments would be required to establish intramonth volatility and the timing of price movements.
Carbon Black Price Index & Historical Analysis
The September 2026 assessments indicate an upward price direction across four of the five reported regions. The Middle East recorded the strongest increase at 24.7%, followed by Africa at 19.6% and Europe at 15.4%. North America was the only market to report a decrease.
A single monthly observation does not establish a long-term historical trend. Consistent historical assessments can help procurement teams evaluate regional price volatility and distinguish temporary changes from sustained movements in feedstock costs, production economics, and downstream demand.
Three structural drivers are particularly relevant:
- Feedstock and production economics: Heavy aromatic feedstock availability, energy expenses, and plant operating conditions influence manufacturing costs.
- Regional supply and trade exposure: Domestic production capacity, import dependence, supplier availability, and freight expenses contribute to regional price differences.
- Downstream industrial consumption: Tire production, automotive manufacturing, industrial rubber, and plastics applications influence carbon black purchasing requirements.
What Is Carbon Black?
Carbon black is a finely divided form of elemental carbon produced through the controlled thermal decomposition or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon feedstocks. It is widely used as a reinforcing agent and pigment because of its coloring properties, surface characteristics, and ability to improve the performance of rubber and other materials. Different grades are manufactured to meet specific requirements for reinforcement, conductivity, pigmentation, and processing.
Its primary applications include:
- Tire manufacturing: Improves rubber strength, durability, abrasion resistance, and performance.
- Automotive components: Used in hoses, belts, seals, and other rubber-based parts.
- Industrial rubber: Supports the production of conveyor belts, industrial rollers, and vibration-control products.
- Plastics: Provides black pigmentation and functional properties in selected plastic applications.
- Inks and coatings: Used as a black pigment in printing inks, paints, and specialty coatings.
Carbon Black Price Forecast – Next 12 Months
The September 2026 assessments show broad upward price movements, although North America recorded a slight decline. These regional observations provide a useful snapshot of market conditions but are insufficient to establish a reliable numerical forecast for the next 12 months. Future price direction will depend on feedstock availability, energy costs, production levels, logistics, trade flows, and purchasing activity from downstream industries.
Procurement teams should monitor the cost of heavy aromatic feedstocks and assess supplier operating conditions across major production regions. Demand from tire and automotive manufacturers will remain important to purchasing requirements, while freight costs and import availability may influence regional price differences. Buyers should also compare quotations across grades and delivery terms to evaluate total sourcing costs.
Key growth drivers include:
- Automotive production: Vehicle manufacturing supports demand for tires and carbon black-containing rubber components.
- Tire replacement demand: Replacement tire consumption contributes to ongoing carbon black requirements.
- Industrial manufacturing: Conveyor belts, seals, hoses, and other rubber products support industrial demand.
- Plastics applications: Demand for black pigmentation and functional additives contributes to consumption.
- Infrastructure development: Construction and industrial projects can support demand for tires, rubber products, and related materials.
Potential risks include:
- Feedstock price volatility: Changes in hydrocarbon feedstock availability and costs can affect carbon black production economics.
- Energy cost increases: Higher fuel and electricity expenses may raise manufacturing costs.
- Downstream demand weakness: Reduced tire, automotive, or industrial production may lower purchasing requirements.
- Logistics disruptions: Freight volatility and transportation delays can increase delivered prices.
- Environmental compliance costs: Emissions controls and regulatory requirements may increase operating expenses for producers.
FAQs About Carbon Black Prices Insights & Market Analysis
What does the Carbon Black Price Index indicate in September 2026?
The September 2026 assessments indicate increases of 19.6% in Africa, 10.6% in Northeast Asia, 15.4% in Europe, and 24.7% in the Middle East. North America recorded a decline of 0.5%, making it the only assessed region with a downward movement.
How does the Carbon Black Price Chart help procurement managers?
A carbon black price chart helps procurement managers compare regional prices, monitor market movements, and evaluate sourcing costs. Historical price observations can support supplier negotiations, inventory planning, contract reviews, and purchasing decisions.
What is the carbon black price forecast for the next 12 months?
A reliable numerical forecast cannot be established from the September assessments alone. Future prices will depend on feedstock costs, production capacity, energy expenses, tire and automotive demand, logistics, and international trade conditions.
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 pricing across major global markets. It offers insights into regional price trends, historical developments, supply-demand conditions, and the factors influencing market movements, supporting informed procurement and business planning.
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.
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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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