Carbon Black Market Analysis Dec 2025

Carbon Black Market Analysis

1. Carbon Black Market Analysis

In December, carbon black market prices saw varying degrees of slight increases. As of December 30th, the average monthly price of mainstream N330 carbon black was: Shandong 5857 yuan/ton; Shanxi 5743 yuan/ton; Hebei 6014 yuan/ton; Guangzhou 6012 yuan/ton; Zhejiang 5933 yuan/ton.

Raw material prices rose compared to the previous month, putting significant pressure on the carbon black market. Market quotations followed suit, but downstream orders placed at lower prices earlier this month resulted in decreased transaction volume. Downstream resistance to high prices led to negotiations focused on price reductions, limiting the potential for further price increases. Furthermore, the increased raw material prices resulted in substantial losses for carbon black producers. However, with heating and gas supply tasks in northern regions, operating rates remained high, so market negotiations during the period primarily focused on pushing up prices.

Market Outlook:

Looking ahead to next month, the carbon black market will see high operating rates and a continued high supply. Furthermore, the raw material coal tar market remains tight, putting significant pressure on costs. While there is a willingness to maintain prices in new carbon black order negotiations, persistently weak demand limits the potential for further price increases, resulting in a narrow range of price consolidation.

Carbon Black Monthly Average Price Comparison

Carbon Black Industry Profit Statistics

In December, carbon black market profits declined. The price increase in carbon black failed to keep pace with the increase in the raw material market, leading to wider losses in the carbon black market. Taking N330 carbon black enterprises in Shandong as an example, the theoretical average profit margin for the carbon black industry in December was -642 yuan/ton.

Market Operating Rate Statistics for December

1. Carbon Black Market Operating Rate Analysis

The carbon black market operating rate in December was 69.11%, maintaining a higher trend compared to November. No large-scale plant starts or stops were observed in December, but there were many production lines undergoing routine maintenance. Furthermore, due to heating and gas supply demands in northern regions, operating rates remained high, while those in southern regions remained low. Overall, the carbon black market operating rate remained high and stable.

2. Downstream Market Operating Rate Analysis

In December, the operating rate of semi-steel tire manufacturers in China was 70%; the operating rate of all-steel tire manufacturers was 62%.

During the month, semi-steel tire manufacturers continued to control production, with overall operating rates remaining relatively stable. Shipments this month were lower than last month, and companies controlled production to manage inventory.

Towards the end of the month, with the release of overseas orders, some companies moderately increased production, slightly boosting the overall capacity rate. However, overall, production control continued.

The overall operating rate of all-steel tire manufacturers showed signs of decline this month, with seasonal off-season leading to increased sales pressure. Some companies also had maintenance plans at the end of the month, and there was cross-maintenance among sampled companies, resulting in a weakening overall supply.

Production

China's carbon black production in December 2025 is estimated at 546,000 tons, a decrease of 1,600 tons from the previous month, representing a month-on-month increase of 0.29%.

Import and Export Data and Trends

According to customs data, my country's carbon black imports in November 2025 were 16,170 tons, a decrease of 21.49% month-on-month and 38.05% year-on-year. The cumulative import volume from January to November was 289,500 tons, an increase of 3.94% compared to the same period last year.

According to customs data, my country's carbon black exports in November 2025 totaled 94,838 tons, up 4.44% month-on-month and 2.20% year-on-year. The cumulative exports from January to November totaled 1,062,500 tons, up 23.98% year-on-year.

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