Published on Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Carbon Black World Consumption
The leading application for carbon black is as a reinforcing agent in the production of rubber goods, accounting for more than 90% of total carbon black consumption. In 2010, use in tires accounted for 73% of world consumption, with other rubber goods (hoses, belts, etc.) accounting for an additional 19%; consumption for non-rubber goods (plastics, inks, paints, etc.) accounted for the remaining 8%. While specialty carbon blacks account for only 7% of the total market in tonnage, they command a significantly higher selling price than commodity furnace black, and will be the focus of future research and development activities.
The price of crude oil has an overriding influence on carbon black markets. Asia (excluding Japan) is currently the largest producer and consumer of carbon black, accounting for 55% of global production and consumption in 2010. China accounts for nearly half of total Asian consumption. Most of the new capacity scheduled to come on stream over the next five years will be in Asia, with China leading the way.
The growth of carbon black is closely tied to the automotive industry and tire production. With the global automobile industry moving to China, India, and Eastern Europe, the tire industry has followed, and with it, the carbon black producers. Stringent environmental laws are forcing the closure of some older carbon black capacity in developed regions, so much of the future investment will occur in developing economies.
There is a continuing long-term trend toward concentration and consolidation among suppliers of carbon black. Cabot Corporation, Evonik Industries, Columbian Chemicals, and China Synthetic Rubber Corp are the four largest producers.