News summary: SunSirs reported a 0.54% weekly fall in China’s N220 benchmark to approximately CNY 10,500 per tonne by 13 November.
During 9–13 November, Chinese carbon black prices weakened alongside raw-material quotations and cautious procurement from tire makers. SunSirs reported N220 around CNY 10,500 per tonne at the end of the week.
High-temperature coal-tar prices in major producing areas were around CNY 5,420–5,455 per tonne, after a decline of CNY 110/t in Shandong and up to CNY 200/t in parts of Shanxi. The sampled carbon black operating rate was about 60.27%. Tire companies generally focused on purchases for current production rather than speculative stock-building.
Analysis of this news
Cheaper feedstock can weaken manufacturers’ pricing support, but cost structures differ by feedstock and grade. The N220 benchmark is not a direct quotation for micronized black pigments or other specialized grades.
Iran and Middle East market note
These are Chinese domestic market indicators, not verified Iranian or Middle Eastern transaction prices.