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The global carbon black market size was valued at USD 20.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.1% from 2025 to 2034. Automotive OEMs utilize carbon black as a stabilizing filler in tire rubber. This chemical not only boosts the tensile strength and abrasion resistance of tires but also extends their lifespan. With the rising demand for passenger vehicles, the procurement of carbon black has surged.
Data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) indicates that approximately 143,014 units of passenger vehicles were sold in March 2020. Therefore, the uptick in passenger vehicle sales, coupled with enhanced tire attributes.
However, health risks linked to carbon black exposure could pose challenges to market expansion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that inhaling black carbon can lead to serious health concerns, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Additionally, carbon black's property of absorbing light as heat plays a significant role in exacerbating climate change.
Report Attribute | Details |
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Base Year: | 2024 |
Carbon Black Market Size in 2024: | USD 20.4 Billion |
Forecast Period: | 2025 to 2034 |
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 CAGR: | 6.1% |
2034 Value Projection: | USD 36.9 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 – 2024 |
No. of Pages: | 235 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 165 |
Segments covered: | Process, Grade, Application |
Growth Drivers: |
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Pitfalls & Challenges: |
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Key sectors such as tires, rubber goods, and coatings are driving notable trends in the industry. In the tire industry, rising automotive demand—especially in emerging economies—has increased the need for carbon black. This material strengthens tires and improves their durability and wear resistance. Additionally, there is a growing focus on eco-friendly and specialized types of carbon black to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
In the coatings sector, carbon black is used more for pigmentation and UV protection, particularly in construction materials that need to withstand weather conditions. The coatings market is also moving towards high-performance, sustainable solutions, driven by stricter environmental regulations and new technologies.
Technological advancements are driving expansion in the market by enabling the creation of high-performance and eco-friendly products. Innovations like bio-based carbon black and advanced manufacturing processes are reducing carbon footprints and meeting global sustainability goals. These improved production methods are also enhancing product quality, offering better dispersion and conductivity, which benefit tire manufacturing and energy storage systems. Future trends show a growing focus on specialty carbon black grades for coatings and polymers, driven by the demand for better UV resistance and electrical properties. The rise in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems will further increase demand.
The carbon black market from furnace black segment was valued at USD 14.8 billion in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand 6.2% of CAGR during 2025-2034. Furnace black, a favored method for mass production, utilizes readily accessible raw materials like coal oil or petroleum oil, combusting them into high-temperature gases. Carbon black manufacturers favor this approach for its cost-effective high yields. Additionally, this method offers enhanced control over particle characteristics, such as structure and size, further driving product consumption.
The carbon black market from N-550 segment was valued at USD 7.4 billion in 2024 and gained 6.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. N-660, a medium-active and medium-dispersion carbon black with a low structure, boasts a smaller surface area than N-550. It features minimal heat build-up, excellent processability, and an extended fatigue life. Commonly, the N-660 grade is utilized in body compounds for passenger vehicle tires, encompassing inner liners. As the demand for sophisticated rubber products rises, coupled with the inherent advantages of N-660, its demand is poised to surge.
The polymers segment was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024. Polymers incorporate carbon black to achieve electrostatic discharge properties and a rich jet-black hue. Renowned for its exceptional ultraviolet (UV) absorption capabilities, carbon black is employed in diverse polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. This ensures protection against UV degradation and facilitates the conversion of radiation into heat. Additionally, there's a rising trend of using specialty carbon black in polystyrene, primarily for its superior insulation performance.
The U.S. carbon black market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a 6% CAGR. In the U.S. market, tire sector demand drives significant growth. Tire manufacturers extensively use carbon black to boost strength, durability, and performance. This trend is further fueled by rising automotive sales and increased vehicle production. Dominating the market are major players such as Cabot Corporation, Birla Carbon, Continental Carbon Company, and Orion Engineered Carbons. These companies are not only innovating but also refining their offerings to align with stringent regulatory standards and shifting customer demands.
Moreover, the manufacturers are channeling investments into emission reduction technologies and expanding production capacities. This expansion aims to meet the surging demand for high-performance tires and various industrial rubber products. The market also reaps benefits from the booming construction sector, which employs carbon black to enhance material strength and UV resistance in concrete and asphalt applications?.
The market is very competitive, with a mix of global leaders and specialized regional companies. Birla Carbon is a top player with large production facilities and a focus on reducing emissions. Bridgestone Corporation, known for making tires, uses carbon black in its rubber products to improve performance. BTR New Material Group Co. Ltd. is another key company, focusing on new carbon-based materials.
Cabot Corporation is a major global provider that works on improving material performance and being environmentally responsible. Continental Carbon Company focuses on energy-efficient processes and strategic partnerships. Orion Engineered Carbons, known for its specialty carbon black, invests in innovations to improve conductivity and UV resistance.
GrafTech International and HEG Ltd. are important in the graphite and electrode markets, which share manufacturing technologies with carbon black. Regional companies like Lianyungang Jinli Carbon Co., Ltd. and OCI Company Ltd. add to market diversity. Phillips Carbon Black Limited from India is increasing its production capacity to meet growing global demand.
Major players operating in the carbon black industry are:
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Market, By Process
Market, By Grade
Market, By Application
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries: