Carbon black exports will decline in the first half of 2023, while imports will surge

According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China, China's carbon black exports reached 75,900 tons in June 2023, a decrease of 24.48% compared with the same period last year. In the first half of this year, the cumulative export volume was 331,100 tons, a decrease of 23.81% compared with the same period last year.

It is worth noting that during the same period, China's carbon black import situation also changed significantly. In June this year, China's imports of carbon black reached 19,800 tons, a year-on-year increase of 194.02%. The cumulative import volume in the first half of this year was 126,800 tons, an increase of 163.73% over the same period last year.

It is understood that the main reason for this change is the surge in raw material prices in the early stage, which directly affects the continued rise in China's carbon black prices. This situation has forced tire manufacturers to take measures to partially choose imported carbon black as a substitute for domestic carbon black to reduce production costs. In particular, the import volume of carbon black for rubber has increased significantly, with Russia becoming the main origin.

Overall, exports and imports of China's carbon black industry showed significant fluctuations in the first half of 2023. Behind the decline in export volume are changes in market demand and international competition, while the surge in import volume is mainly due to the dual impact of raw material prices and cost pressures.