Carbon Black: Upstream and Downstream Game

July 23, 2026

TDD-Global

6238

Guide

Highlights at a glance

The carbon black market has shown stability recently, with the price index at 7294.5 on July 22. However, several factors are influencing market dynamics, including upstream raw material prices, supply trends, and downstream demand. Coal tar prices in major regions like Shandong, Shanxi, and Hebei reflect a quiet market with slight auction price increases but an overall bearish outlook. Manufacturing operations in the carbon black supply chain have faced disruptions, including reduced operating rates and inventory pressures. Downstream, tire manufacturers are operating at reduced capacity, with some issuing market promotions and releasing snow tires earlier than usual to stimulate demand. The market outlook suggests continued caution due to competitive bargaining and stalled negotiations between upstream and downstream buyers. Despite this, our platform provides seamless connectivity between reputable Chinese chemical suppliers and global buyers, offering transparency, better business opportunities, and high-value partnerships in the chemical trading sector.

01 Carbon Black Index

According to data from TuDuoDuo, the carbon black price index was 7294.5 on July 22, remaining stable compared to the previous trading day.

02 Carbon Black Market Price

03 Analysis of Factors Affecting the Carbon Black Market

1. Upstream Raw Materials: Coal tar prices in Shandong were 4000 yuan/ton; in Shanxi, 4020 yuan/ton; and in Hebei, 4000 yuan/ton. The domestic high-temperature coal tar market is currently operating quietly with a wait-and-see attitude. Some auction prices have slightly increased, but negative factors still dominate the market, and a continued downward trend is expected.

2. Carbon Black Supply: The operating rate of sample enterprises in the domestic carbon black market declined slightly. Due to recent pressure on carbon black shipments and accumulated inventory, some large factories in the region have reduced their operating rates. Meanwhile, a factory in East China is still under maintenance. Overall, the operating rate of carbon black enterprises declined during the week.

3. Downstream Demand: It is understood that most enterprises are currently maintaining their previous operating rates, with many operating at reduced capacity. A few semi-steel tire manufacturers have temporarily suspended operations, dragging down overall production. Overall, enterprise shipments are below expectations.

Some semi-steel and all-steel tire manufacturers have offered promotional support to the market based on their own inventory levels, but the actual effect has been limited. To increase shipments, some companies are gradually releasing small quantities of snow tires, with shipments starting earlier than in previous years.

04. Market Outlook

As of now, the auction prices of raw material coal tar in some regions have slightly increased, but the market is still dominated by negative factors, and the downward trend continues. Downstream bargaining sentiment remains unchanged, new order negotiations are stalled, and the atmosphere of inquiry in the market is cautious amidst the bargaining between upstream and downstream. It is expected that there will be limited changes in new carbon black orders.

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