Higher specialty carbon black prices in Asia are a notable theme in today’s black pigment market review. For Middle East buyers, the practical issue is how the development may affect sourcing decisions and comparisons of actual supplier quotations.
What Birla announced
In a statement dated 22 September 2026, Birla Carbon announced an increase of up to 15% for its Specialty Materials portfolio in Asia, effective 1 October. The company cited sustained feedstock cost pressures and disruptions linked to geopolitical instability, directing customers to its sales teams for individual details.
The announcement covers Asia and specialty products. It does not establish a uniform 15% increase for every carbon black grade or every Middle East destination. Contract prices still depend on the product, delivery location and commercial terms.
Gohar’s Middle East market perspective
For regional masterbatch, coatings and ink producers, this is a reason to compare delivered costs carefully. A price per tonne alone leaves out freight, arrival dates, payment conditions and consistency between batches. Buyers should clarify how long an offer remains valid and whether the quoted volume can actually be allocated.
Switching black pigments solely on price or a generic grade designation can create additional formulation work. Colour strength, undertone, dispersibility and compatibility with the final system should be checked through sampling and production trials. These are editorial implications for regional procurement, rather than evidence of a market-wide Middle East price rise.
Source: Birla Carbon’s official announcement, 22 September 2026; effective 1 October. Selected and analysed by Gohar on 15 October 2026.
Conceptual illustration of carbon black logistics, not a documentary photograph of a named company or shipment.