Carbon Black Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Type (Furnace Black, Channel Black, Acetylene Black, Lampblack and Thermal Black), Grade (Standard Grade and Specialty Grade), Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Carbon Black Market is accounted for $29.19 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $43.31 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Carbon black is a fine, black powder composed primarily of elemental carbon. It is created when heavy petroleum products, like tar or ethylene, thermally decompose or incompletely burn. Carbon black is frequently used as reinforcing filler in rubber products, especially tires, to improve strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion and wear. Because of its deep black color and UV protection qualities, it is used as a pigment in inks, paints, plastics, and coatings outside of the rubber industry. Furthermore, due to its high electrical conductivity, carbon black is used in conductive materials, electronics, and batteries. Because of its special blend of chemical and physical characteristics, it is a necessary component of many commercial and industrial applications.

According to the International Carbon Black Association (ICBA), the ICBA released it's first-ever industry-average Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for carbon black produced using furnace technology. Furnace carbon black accounts for 95% of the volumes manufactured by ICBA members, making it the dominant production method in the industry.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing tire industry

The tire industry, which uses a large amount of carbon black, is driven by the growing demand for automobiles around the world. Carbon black is necessary for tires to increase their strength, resilience to wear, and durability. The demand for high-performance tires rises in tandem with the expansion of automotive production, especially in emerging markets, which in turn increases the consumption of carbon black. Demand is further supported by trends toward electric vehicles, which frequently call for stronger, more resilient tires because of their larger batteries. The steady increase in the number of passenger cars, trucks, and two-wheelers guarantees a steady, long-term market for carbon black, highlighting its significance as an essential component in the production of tires.

Restraint:

Volatility in raw material prices

The production of carbon black is largely dependent on feedstocks derived from petroleum, such as tar and heavy oils. The cost of manufacturing carbon black is directly impacted by changes in crude oil prices, which causes uncertainty for both producers and consumers. Price volatility can lower competitiveness, raise product costs, and impact profit margins. Price-sensitive emerging markets and developing economies may restrict consumption when raw material prices are high. Price instability can also be made worse by trade restrictions, supply chain interruptions, or geopolitical tensions. These factors make it difficult to invest in new production facilities and maintain steady market growth.

Opportunity:

Creation of electronic conductive carbon black

Conductive carbon black is becoming more and more crucial as electronics, batteries, and energy storage systems proliferate. Its high electrical conductivity makes it a useful component of electronic devices, fuel cells, capacitors, and lithium-ion batteries. The demand for conductive fillers is high due to the rise of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy sources. Businesses that concentrate on high-grade carbon black for electronic and energy storage applications can access lucrative, technologically advanced markets. Opportunities are further enhanced by the move toward energy-efficient and sustainable devices, which positions carbon black as a crucial component of next-generation electronics and green energy solutions.

Threat:

Competition from other substances

A major danger to the carbon black market is the growing use of substitute fillers, pigments, and conductive materials. Because of their advantages for the environment, reduced weight, or enhanced performance, materials like silica, titanium dioxide, or bio-based carbon substitutes are being favored in tires, plastics, and coatings. Tires reinforced with silica, for instance, can partially replace carbon black and increase fuel efficiency and rolling resistance. Carbon black manufacturers are under pressure to innovate as industries move toward sustainability and advanced material performance, or risk losing market share to these substitutes, particularly in industries where efficiency and environmental compliance are crucial.

Covid-19 Impact:

The global carbon black market was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic because of widespread lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and a precipitous drop in industrial and automotive activity. The demand for carbon black fell significantly as the production of cars and tires slowed, especially in major markets like Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. The demand from the rubber, coatings, and plastics industries was also further suppressed by decreased production of consumer goods, construction, and manufacturing. Manufacturers were under additional strain due to logistical issues and shifting raw material prices, which had an effect on their earnings. But as economies gradually recovered, the market started to recover, driven by resurgence in demand from industrial, automotive, and emerging applications.

The furnace black segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The furnace black segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Furnace black, which has a high carbon content and excellent consistency, is made by partially burning heavy aromatic oils in a regulated furnace environment. Its main use is in the tire industry, where it improves the tensile strength, wear resistance, and durability of rubber goods. Furnace black's superior reinforcing qualities and deep black color make it a popular choice for industrial rubber products, coatings, and plastics in addition to tires. Moreover, furnace black continues to dominate the global carbon black market due to the high demand from the rubber and automotive industries, as well as its affordability and adaptability.

The plastics & masterbatch segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the plastics & masterbatch segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. The increasing need for premium, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing plastic products across sectors like consumer goods, packaging, automotive, and construction benefits this market. In masterbatches, carbon black is frequently used to improve plastics' mechanical strength, heat stability, UV resistance, and color uniformity. Demand is being driven by factors such as growing urbanization, consumer awareness, and the move toward high-end, environmentally friendly plastic products. Furthermore, advancements in 3D printing and specialty plastics open up even more opportunities, making the plastics and masterbatch market a rapidly expanding global source of carbon black consumption.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, mostly due to the fast urbanization, industrialization, and expansion of the automobile industry in nations like China, India, and Japan. Carbon black is in high demand due to the region's growing tire and rubber industries, which are being driven by an increase in vehicle ownership and the development of infrastructure. The expansion of the market is also supported by rising masterbatch, coating, and plastics production in manufacturing centers. Asia-Pacific is a major hub for manufacturing and consumption due to its low production costs, abundant raw materials, and government programs encouraging industrial growth. The region continues to be the largest contributor to the global carbon black market due to a combination of high demand, cost advantages, and industrial growth.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. The demand for cars, tires, and industrial rubber products is rising as a result of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes in nations like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Higher carbon black consumption is also a result of the growing masterbatch, coatings, and plastics industries. Market expansion is further accelerated by government initiatives that support manufacturing growth and infrastructure development. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to a confluence of developing automotive markets, expanding industrial activity, and advantageous economic conditions. This has drawn both domestic and foreign carbon black manufacturers looking for long-term growth prospects.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Carbon Black Market include Birla Carbon (Aditya Birla Group), Cabot Corporation, International CSRC Investment Holdings Co. Ltd, Jiangxi Heimao Carbon Black Co. Ltd, Orion Engineered Carbons SA, Asahi Carbon Co. Ltd, BKT Carbon, Epsilon Carbon Private Limited, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, Imerys SA, Longxing Chemical Stock Co. Ltd, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Phillips Carbon Black Limited (PCBL), OCI Company Ltd, Omsk Carbon Group and Continental Carbon Company.

Key Developments:

In August 2025, Cabot Corporation has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Mexico Carbon Manufacturing (MXCB) from Bridgestone Corporation. The reinforcing carbons manufacturing facility was commissioned in 2005 and is located in close proximity to Cabot's current reinforcing carbons facility in Altamira, Mexico, which has operated successfully since 1990.

In August 2025, Bridgestone Corporation entered into an agreement to sell its group company, Mexico Carbon Manufacturing S.A. de C.V. (MXCB), to Cabot Corporation. The Bridgestone carbon black sale marks a strategic shift in Bridgestone's material supply strategy.

In June 2025, Aditya Birla Group expands US footprint with acquisition of Cargill's chemical facility. The agreement was finalised through Aditya Birla Chemicals (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Ltd, further expanding the Indian conglomerate's diverse $15 billion US portfolio that includes Novelis and Birla Carbon.

Types Covered:

• Furnace Black
• Channel Black
• Acetylene Black
• Lampblack
• Thermal Black

Grades Covered:

• Standard Grade
• Specialty Grade

Applications Covered:

• Tires & Rubber Components
• Plastics & Masterbatch
• Inks & Coatings
• Conductive Systems
• UV Stabilization

End Users Covered:

• Automotive
• Construction
• Consumer Goods
• Aerospace & Marine
• Packaging
• Electronics & Semiconductors

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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