Carbon black markets have witnessed renewed cost pressure in September, adding to the raw-material challenges facing rubber processors. Market data reported on 11 September showed carbon-black prices rising sharply, with the reported index increasing 18.93% to around CNY 11,757 per tonne. The increase was linked primarily to higher coal-tar costs and tightening supply rather than crude oil alone.
By 14 September, carbon-black prices remained elevated, with the reported price at approximately CNY 12,779 per tonne and monthly gains approaching 19%.

The development is relevant across the rubber industry because carbon black is an important reinforcing filler used in numerous rubber applications, including industrial products and automotive components. Sustained increases can raise formulation costs for manufacturers, particularly MSMEs that have limited ability to immediately pass higher input costs through to customers. The market will therefore remain sensitive to coal-tar availability, producer operating rates, downstream demand and broader energy-market movements.