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Carbon Black Market Size
The global carbon black market size was valued at USD 21.6 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 23 billion in 2026 to USD 39.8 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 6.3% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.
To get key market trends
The carbon black market is experiencing a boost by way of increasing applications in diverse industries. Being the finely divided form of carbon, it serves a very important purpose as a reinforcing filler for rubber products, including tires - where it adds much-needed features of durability, strength, and wear-resistant qualities. Therefore, the growth of the automotive sector, especially in the emerging economies, gives a major impetus to demand for carbon black used in tires. Apart from this, carbon black finds a vast application as a pigment in paints, coatings, and inks, providing the deepest black coloration and UV resistance.
The same goes for applications in electronic and conductive materials such as batteries and electromagnetic shielding which align with the rising trend towards electric vehicles and renewable energy methods. There are also specific industrial applications being tailored by developing specialty carbon blacks, all of which open opportunities for further growth.
The market trends are showing increased pressure to adopt more environmentally friendly ways of production due to the environmental and health issues caused by conventional carbon black manufacturing, which emits particulate matter and pollutants. The challenges of fluctuating raw material prices and stringent regulatory standards are the factors contributing to the incentives of innovation toward greener alternatives.
Carbon Black Market Report Attributes
Key Takeaway
Details
Market Size & Growth
Base Year
2025
Market Size in 2025
USD 21.6 Billion
Market Size in 2026
USD 23 Billion
Forecast Period 2026-2035 CAGR
6.3%
Market Size in 2035
USD 39.8 Billion
Key Market Trends
Drivers
Impact
Rising demand from tire industry
Carbon black is a key reinforcing agent in tires, enhancing durability and performance. The increasing global vehicle production, especially in emerging economies, drives demand for tires containing carbon black.
Growth in rubber and plastics industries
Carbon black is used in various rubber products and plastics to improve strength and UV protection. Expansion in these sectors fuels the overall market growth.
Increasing use in industrial coatings and inks
Carbon black is widely used as a pigment in paints, coatings, and inks. Growing construction activities and packaging industries contribute to higher demand in these applications.
Pitfalls & Challenges
Impact
Environmental and regulatory concerns
Carbon black production releases particulate matter and other pollutants. Stricter environmental regulations and the push for sustainable practices pose operational challenges.
Volatility in raw material prices
The primary raw material, heavy petroleum fractions, is subject to fluctuating prices, impacting production costs and profit margins.
Opportunities:
Impact
Development of green and bio-based carbon black
Innovation in bio-based or less environmentally damaging carbon black production methods can open new markets and meet regulatory demands.
Expansion into new applications
Use of carbon black in electronics, batteries, and conductive materials offers new revenue streams beyond traditional rubber and pigment uses.
Market Leaders (2025)
Market Leaders
Birla Carbon
17%
Top Players
Birla Carbon
Cabot Corporation
Orion Engineered Carbons
Tokai Carbon
Continental Carbon
Collective market share in 2024 is Collective Market Share of 46% in 2025
Competitive Edge
Birla Carbon, Cabot Corporation, Orion Engineered Carbons, Tokai Carbon, and Continental Carbon are key leaders in the global carbon black market, each competing through innovation, product diversification, and geographic reach.
Birla Carbon leverages its extensive manufacturing footprint and focus on sustainable products. Cabot Corporation emphasizes high-performance specialty blacks and advanced technology.
Orion Engineered Carbons focuses on customized solutions for industries like tires and electronics. Tokai Carbon emphasizes quality and cost efficiency, primarily in Asia, while Continental Carbon competes through strategic acquisitions and a broad product portfolio.
Regional Insights
Largest Market
Asia Pacific
Fastest Growing Market
North America
Emerging Country
U.S., Canada
Future Outlook
The future outlook for the carbon black market is optimistic, driven by rising demand in automotive, electronics, and energy storage industries. Technological advancements will enhance production efficiency and enable the development of specialty and eco-friendly carbon blacks, aligning with sustainability goals. Increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions will further boost demand for conductive and high-performance blacks. Regulatory pressures to reduce environmental impact will encourage innovation in greener manufacturing processes. Additionally, expanding applications in high-growth sectors like batteries and advanced composites will create new market opportunities.
What are the growth opportunities in this market?
Carbon Black Market Trends
The carbon black industry is progressing and transforming rapidly. This results from all technological advances, which improve the efficiency of processes concerning production. Improvements in product quality are realized. Such innovations include those adopted in the manufacturing methods-the thermal and furnace black processes-more energy-efficient and cleaner production processes have been developed.
Continuous production systems and better reactor designs have enabled manufacturers to produce specialized carbon blacks that exhibit tailored properties, such as improved electrical conductivity, UV stability, and controlled particle size. These advancements in technologies improve the performance of products and prepare the industry for increased demand from high-tech sectors like electronics, energy storage, and automotive industries.
The regulatory frameworks are creating such a great mark on the market landscape. Governments and environmental agencies are adopting stringent regulations to control the harmful emissions as well as the footprints produced by carbon black production. In the case of particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and other pollutants, limits have been set and it, therefore, prompts manufacturers to develop cleaner and greener technologies for their production.
Compliance with these regulations comes at a heavy price in terms of capital investment on equipment for emission controls and sometimes changes of processes. To meet standards of regulations and to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, all the industries are now motivated to look for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to carbon blacks, such as bio-based or recycled carbon blacks.
With a major focus towards innovative product development, there's a lot of focus on creating specialized carbon blacks used in various applications. There is increasing emphasis on the development of conductive carbon blacks for batteries, electronic devices, and high-value materials, and pigment-grade blacks for paints and coatings. Environmental issues drive the development of these innovations further, considering the introduction of eco-friendly versions that will have little dependence on traditional manufacturing methods. future that is accused of being more sustainable and high-valued.
Carbon Black Market Analysis
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
Based on manufacturing process, the carbon black market is segmented into furnace black, thermal black, acetylene black, lamp black, and channel black. Furnace black dominated the market with an approximate market share of 83.1% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.3% till 2035.
Furnace black is cost-competitive and, capable of being manufactured in enormous quantities throughout the world, it is thus the most popular form of carbon black. The rubber industry, especially the tire sector, and plastics, coatings, and inks absorb this carbon black. Demand for furnace black is driven by a growing automotive industry and the need for durable and high-performance rubber products.
Thermal black is derived from thermal processes of decomposition. Specialty applications for this type of black typically include electronics, high-performance rubber compounds, and conductive materials, thus making it a product of increasing demand. This demand increases as industries look toward new materials with specific functionalities; thus, demand for thermal black continues to grow.
Acetylene black boasts a good electrical conductivity to qualify it for energy storage devices, such as batteries and conductive polymers. This segment is growing with the increased adoption of electric vehicles and solutions based on renewable energy. Thus, acetylene black is bound to become a common component in the next generation of energy storage and electronic applications.
Channel black is the oldest, but it has been rapidly overtaken by better-hydrogen-based processes such as furnace black and thermal black processes. However, it continues to produce certain specific applications. Overall, the trend in the carbon black market moves towards high-quality specialty blacks with higher value in terms of electrical, thermal, and chemical properties, mainly due to innovation in technology and environmental regulations.
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
Based on feedstock, the carbon black market is segmented into petroleum-based feedstocks, coal-based feedstocks, natural gas, and bio-based & renewable feedstocks. Petroleum-based feedstocks held the largest market share of 63.2% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2026 to 2035.
Petroleum-derived products continue to form the predominant raw material for carbon black production, chiefly due to their abundant availability and cost-effectiveness. Refining and processing technologies are in turn developed to increase efficiency and lower emissions.
Coal-based feedstocks have been, a cost-effective alternative for carbon black production to those derived from petroleum, mainly for regions like China and India, where coal resources are plentiful. Coal-based feedstock remains relevant in specific markets, where cost competitiveness weighs more than environmental considerations, while technological advancements can continue to sustain their viability in the future.
Emerging production trends suggest that natural gas is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly feedstock for the manufacture of carbon black. The market trend shows that adoption is increasing, leading to a paradigm shift to cleaner energy options and toughest environmental regulations.
Bio-based and renewable feed stocks hold the most promising trend in the changing carbon black market encouraged by environmental awareness and sustainability targets. These feedstocks derived from biomass waste oils and other renewable streams are being promoted as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
Based on end user industry, the carbon black market is segmented into automotive, industrial manufacturing, construction, electronics & electrical, printing & publishing, packaging, textile, and other industries. Automotive industry segment dominated the market with an approximate market share of 70.3% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% up to 2035.
Automotive application for carbon black is mainly driven by tire manufacturing and rubber components. Demand rises because of increasing vehicle production, particularly in emerging countries. The advances towards electric vehicles and eco-friendly tires stimulate the specific requirement for sustainable carbon blacks, making this sector a key end-user with good growth prospects.
In industrial manufacturing, carbon black is used in rubber goods, plastics, and coatings. With global expansion of infrastructure and machinery production the demand for durable, high-quality carbon blacks also grows. Novelty and eco-friendly products are additionally influencing future demand ensuring stable growth for this sector.
In construction, carbon black finds application in sealants, waterproofing and asphalt. Demand remains constant from urbanization and infrastructure projects which are particularly booming in developing areas. The demand for carbon blacks in the electronics sector is surging rapidly due to electric vehicle batteries and electronic devices. Conductive and environmentally friendly carbon blacks are pivotal to the use in batteries, cables, and coatings, thus making it a fast-growing innovative market.
In textiles, carbon black is used for coloring synthetic fibers and UV protection. Demand remains steady with the rise of synthetic fabrics and sustainable fashion innovations in eco-friendly pigments will affect future growth in the textile sector.
Looking for region specific data?
The North America carbon black market is growing rapidly at the global level with a market share of 14.8% in 2025 and US occupying a market of USD 2.6 billion in 2025.
The North American market is witnessing fastest growth, driven by the automotive, rubber, and packaging industries. Also encouraging adoption of innovative, sustainable technology and advanced manufacturing are the key factors to producing high-performance carbon blacks. U.S. and Canada investments in green technologies and stricter regulations concerning the environment have encouraged manufacturers to become cleaner and bio-based while developing carbon blacks.
Europe carbon black market leads the industry with revenue of USD 2.7 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
Europe's market is transforming rapidly owing to strict regulatory regimes regarding the environment and a strong emphasis on sustainability. There is an increasing trend towards such low-emission and bio-based carbon blacks in the automotive, printing, and construction sectors. The focus on innovation and eco-friendly solutions has further led to the encouraging of companies to develop sustainable products.
The Asia Pacific carbon black market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the analysis timeframe.
The Asia Pacific market is the most rapidly emerging market for carbon black within the quickest time frame and is under rapid development owing to growing industrialization and modernization, which all adds up to increasingly large-scale automotive production especially in China, India, and Southeast Asia. All booming rubber along with tire industries and a growing plastics and electronics sector will continue to cater to the demand. Market trends are indicative of moving towards higher-quality, specialty carbon blacks meeting the requirements for advanced applications in automotive and electronic fields.
Latin America carbon black accounted for 9.7% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
Latin America's market for carbon black is gradually growing. This growth is increasingly buoyed with demand from the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. The economic growth of Brazil and Mexico also supports industrial growth and infrastructure projects as well as energy consumption in carbon black. The market also reflects the sustainability efforts that characterize the region.
Middle East & Africa carbon black accounted for 6.2% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
The carbon black market in the MEA region is emerging, but the growth prospects of this market are quite bright. Growing demand for these products due to expanding construction, automotive, and industrial sectors in South Africa, and UAE respectively, is driving this market. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investments, urbanization, and industrialization are contributing to the growth of the market.
Carbon Black Market Share
The top 5 companies in carbon black industry include Birla Carbon, Cabot Corporation, Orion Engineered Carbons, Tokai Carbon, Continental Carbon. These are prominent companies operating in their respective regions covering approximately 46% of the market share in 2025. These companies hold strong positions due to their extensive experience in carbon black market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand across various regions.
Birla Carbon is one of the prominent companies of carbon black with market-leading product ranges and a stronghold in countries such as Asia, North America, and Europe. The company is committed to innovation, eco-friendliness, and high-quality standards, which include substantial investments in green process manufacturing and specialty carbon blacks.
Cabot Corporation is a diversified specialty rubber and conductive carbon black house that boasts years of experience in the industry. Innovation and sustainability are known trademarks of Cabot, where investments have been made to develop green scenarios for these world-class, highly regulated products. Its global footprint with strong manufacturing and R&D capabilities thereby serves a wide array of end-use industries, such as automotive, electronics, and industrial markets.
Orion is an example of a careful business organization in the field of high-performance categories of carbon blacks is Orion Engineered Carbons which serves tires, rubber and industrial requirements. The company champions customization and tailored solutions to meet every client's needs in advanced manufacturing technologies. Innovation coupled with sustainability makes Orion competitive in both specialty and high-end market segments.
Tokai Carbon is a leading manufacturer of carbon black and other carbon-based products in Japan and mainly caters to Asian markets. The company is renowned for its integration in manufacturing with a lot of emphasis on quality and cost-effectiveness. Tokai Carbon offers a wide array of carbon black used in the manufacture of rubber, plastics, and electrical applications.
Continental Carbon Company is a well-established regional player. It produces a broad range of carbon black products that are used for rubber and industrial applications. Competitive advantage is that it produces carbon black in cost-efficient ways and develops excellent networks with local customers.
Carbon Black Market Companies
Major players operating in the carbon black industry include:
Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd.
Birla Carbon India Private Limited
Black Bear Carbon BV
Cabot Corporation
China Synthetic Rubber Corporation
Continental Carbon
Jinneng Science and Technology Company Limited
Longxing Chemical Stock Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Monolith Materials, Inc.
OCI Company Ltd
Omsk Carbon Group OOO
Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.
Phillips Carbon Black Limited
Qingzhou Boao Carbon Black Co., Ltd.
Shandong Huadong Rubber Materials Co., Ltd.
Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.
Carbon Black Industry News
In March 2024, Cabot Corporation unveiled its latest innovation, the PROPEL E8 engineered reinforcing carbon black. This product is crafted to enhance tread durability while maintaining low rolling resistance, specifically for high-performance tire tread applications. Recognizing the distinct demands of electric vehicles (EVs)—which are heavier and experience higher torque than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—Cabot designed the PROPEL E8 to tackle these challenges head-on. PROPEL E8 seamlessly integrates into Cabot’s PROPEL E series, bolstering their lineup of solutions tailored for high-performance tires.
In January 2024, Birla Carbon announced Greenfield Expansions in the Asia Pacific region. The company shall expand its carbon black capacity by over 240 kilotons in the identified locations of India and Thailand.
In November 2023, Cabot Corporation launched a novel product family “REPLASBLAK” with certified material. The company launched three products with this launch that are sold as its first certified black master-batch products, such as (ISCC PLUS) International Sustainability & Carbon Certification.
This carbon black market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:
to Buy Section of this Report
Market, By Manufacturing Process
Furnace black
Thermal black
Acetylene black
Lamp black
Channel black
Market, By Feedstock
Petroleum-based feedstocks
Coal-based feedstocks
Natural gas
Bio-based & renewable feedstocks
Market, By End Use Industry
Automotive industry
Tire manufacturing
Non-tire automotive rubber
Automotive plastics
Automotive coatings
Construction industry
Roofing materials
Sealants & adhesives
Geomembranes & waterproofing
Cables & conduits
Industrial manufacturing
Conveyor belts
Industrial hoses & gaskets
Mechanical rubber goods
Industrial coatings
Electronics & electrical
Battery manufacturing
Semiconductors
Wire & cable insulation
Conductive polymers & composites
Packaging industry
Plastics packaging
Food-contact materials
Barrier films
Printing & publishing
Printing inks
Toners & inkjet inks
Textile industry
Textile printing & dyeing
Fiber modification
Specialty fabrics
Other industries
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
UAE
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Author: Kiran Pulidindi, Kunal Ahuja
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the key players in the carbon black industry?+
Major players include Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd., Birla Carbon India Private Limited, Black Bear Carbon BV, Cabot Corporation, Longxing Chemical Stock Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and Monolith Materials, Inc.
What is the growth outlook for the automotive industry segment from 2026 to 2035?+
The automotive industry segment, which accounted for approximately 70.3% of the market in 2025, is anticipated to showcase around 6.5% CAGR up to 2035.
Which region leads the carbon black sector?+
North America leads the market with a 14.8% share in 2025. The U.S. alone accounted for USD 2.6 billion in 2025. The market is driven by growth in the automotive, rubber, and packaging industries.
What are the upcoming trends in the carbon black market?+
Trends include energy-efficient, cleaner production, specialized carbon blacks for high-tech uses, regulatory-driven eco-friendly innovations, and growing adoption of bio-based and recycled carbon blacks.
What was the valuation of the petroleum-based feedstocks segment in 2025?+
The petroleum-based feedstocks segment held the largest market share of 63.2% in 2025 and is set to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% till 2035.
What is the expected size of the carbon black industry in 2026?+
The market size is projected to reach USD 23 billion in 2026.
What was the market share of the furnace black segment in 2025?+
The furnace black segment dominated the market with an approximate share of 83.1% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% through 2035.
What is the projected value of the carbon black market by 2035?+
The market is poised to reach USD 39.8 billion by 2035, fueled by advancements in production technologies, rising demand from high-tech sectors, and growth in the automotive industry.
What was the market size of the carbon black in 2025?+
The market was valued at USD 21.6 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 6.3% expected through 2035. The market growth is driven by increasing applications in automotive, paints, coatings, and inks industries.