News summary
Reuters reported on November 4, 2026 that German tire maker Continental increased its expected full-year 2026 operating margin from 12%–13.5% to 13.4%–14%, following better-than-expected third-quarter performance. Third-quarter adjusted EBIT reached €514 million, compared with analysts’ consensus of €480 million.
Tire demand and input costs
Continental highlighted large, high-performance tires as a major driver. At the same time, management warned that higher raw-material costs could weigh more heavily in the fourth quarter. The company’s 2026 average oil-price assumption increased to more than $90 per barrel, compared with $85 assumed in May. The Reuters report did not provide Continental’s carbon black purchase volumes or contract prices.
Gohar Farayand analysis
The report suggests different tire segments can perform differently, even when input costs are rising. For carbon black suppliers and rubber manufacturers, this calls for close attention to specific customer requirements, purchasing cycles and input-cost clauses. Strong earnings at one tire producer should not be treated as proof of a general rise in carbon black demand or prices.
For rubber formulations, see Gohar’s N330 carbon black supply listing and N550 listing. Grade selection requires technical evaluation and stock confirmation.
Original source: Reuters, November 4, 2026.
Conceptual tire-industry illustration; not a documented Continental image.