The Chinese carbon black market is marred by excessive capacity and internal price wars that put tyre makers across the world at risk. Indian producers seek to capitalise on the opportunity with reliable supply and quality.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global carbon black industry with an estimated 57.84 percent market share in 2023, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. While China leads as the top exporter of carbon black from the region, India is gradually climbing the ranks with producers ramping up capacities in the wake of emerging markets such as North America.

Moreover, excessive capacity and internal price war is driving the Chinese carbon industry into a downward spiral with India vying to take its place leveraging quality and reliable supply chain.

Speaking on the tussle between the industry in these two countries on the sidelines of the 15th Asia- Pacific Carbon Black Conference, Group Country Head – Expansion Projects Asia – at Birla Carbon, Sanjeev Sood, told Tyre Trends, “China, with its surplus capacity in carbon black, often resorts to aggressive exports, especially to Southeast Asia. However, industry observers question the long-term sustainability of this model. The Chinese pricing mechanism is unsustainable. In today’s market, sustainability – whether in pricing or supply chains – is paramount. The question is not just about achieving results today but maintaining them over time.”

“The carbon black industry in China also faces credibility challenges. Instances of supply failures due to sudden price shifts have left global tyre manufacturers vulnerable. In contrast, Indian suppliers prioritise moral obligations and reliability. Our customers’ operations depend on us and we deliver, come what may,” the executive emphasised.

He also noted that China’s overcapacity has triggered intense price wars domestically, often spilling into export markets. However, Indian manufacturers remain largely insulated. Still, the broader implications of overcapacity, including margin pressures and supply chain disruptions, remain areas of concern for the global industry.

“As the sector navigates these challenges, the indispensability of carbon black remains clear, but the strategic positioning of reliable suppliers may increasingly define the competitive landscape,” he noted.

The rise in production by Indian carbon black manufacturers has drawn attention across the industry. Alluding to how this influences global markets, he noted, “It all boils down to the value you create. The value you provide to your organisation, your product and ultimately to your customers. If that core objective is met, there’s no reason to view increased production as a threat.”

“Rather than a race to expand production volumes, the competition pivots on delivering superior quality, reliability and customer-centric solutions. For players prioritising these principles, aggressive production by competitors becomes less about rivalry and more about reinforcing market dynamics that reward excellence,” he added.

Birla Carbon is also establishing two greenfield plants in the wake of opportunities. However, details of the same were withheld by the executive.

SUSTAINABLE INPUTS

Birla Carbon has recently launched the Continua 8030 carbonaceous material to further its drive to offer sustainable materials to the industry. Alluding to how it has been received by tyre makers, Sood explained, “Continua 8030 has made significant strides in addressing one of the tyre industry’s most pressing challenges, which is incorporating sustainable, recycled materials without compromising performance. The push for circularity has placed tyre companies under immense scrutiny, with demands for sustainability now extending from raw material sourcing to ethical practices.”

“Tyre companies are now laser-focused on using recycled materials and ensuring environmental accountability. Continua 8030 has emerged as a pivotal solution with many customers already integrating it into their formulations and others in advanced testing stages. It’s been highly successful so far, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionise the carbon black industry,” the executive added.

While Continua 8030 aligns with sustainability goals, it isn’t a complete substitute for virgin carbon black. “Recycled carbon black isn’t 100 percent usable in formulations. Continua 8030 must be blended, depending on preferences and processes. The product’s primary advantage lies not in performance enhancement but in supporting sustainability objectives. It’s about how much of your product you can recirculate without compromising the tyre’s overall performance. The blend percentage and usage entirely dictate its effectiveness, but the focus remains on achieving sustainability without a negative performance impact,” averred Sood.

TACKLING SPEEDBUMPS

According to the industry veteran, market volatility remains the most significant challenge for businesses today, especially in industries like carbon black, where global dynamics heavily influence supply chains and costs.

“Geopolitical upheavals, such as the ongoing Israel-Middle East crisis or unforeseen shifts in logistics costs, exemplify the unpredictable nature of the current landscape. Who could have predicted just two months ago the steep surge in shipping rates? This is the reality we face,” he observed.

The key to thriving amidst such uncertainty lies in agility and foresight. “Volatility is inevitable, but how businesses respond makes all the difference. Companies must remain nimble and adapt quickly to align with emerging challenges. The ability to pivot proactively rather than reactively is what defines success,” said Sood.

As markets continue to evolve, businesses that embrace adaptability, plan for contingencies and foster resilience will stand out, turning challenges into opportunities for growth, highlighted the executive.

When asked about potential challenges, Birla Carbon remains unfazed. “We do not anticipate challenges we cannot handle. We are prepared for whatever the future holds,” the spokesperson stated, emphasising the company’s resilience and forward-looking strategies.

FORWARD PATH

The carbon black industry is on the cusp of a significant evolution as the automotive sector’s push for sustainable materials gains momentum. However, traditional and sustainable capacities are expected to co-exist and expand to meet growing demand.

Fresh capacities will continue to emerge alongside the increasing adoption of sustainable materials. As long as actual demand grows, the need for carbon black will persist, whether it’s used in conventional applications or innovative blends tailored to specific needs,” said Sood.

A key development in Birla Carbon’s arsenal is the Asia Post-Treatment Plant, the first of its kind in the region. Previously exclusive to the company’s US operations, this advanced technology is now available in Asia, marking a significant milestone.

“This plant isn’t for conventional carbon black but caters to highly specialised applications including paints, toners and speciality blacks. It represents a leap forward in high-end speciality products and demonstrates our commitment to innovation in meeting evolving market demands,” averred Sood.

With its robust capabilities and focus on innovation, the Indian carbon black industry is well-positioned to address the dual priorities of sustainability and performance in the automotive and broader industrial sectors. But how will it fare in its race against China is a matter left to the sands of time.

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MAXAM Tire has named Chris Rhoades as its new Zone Sales Director for the Northern region, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer service within the speciality tyre aftermarket. The appointment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership and competitive positioning in the sector.

Rhoades brings over 25 years of international industry experience and a well-established reputation as a leading voice in the tyre business. His leadership credentials include being elected to two separate terms on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors. Most recently at BKT Tires, he managed strategic growth in complex and highly technical off the road markets, where he aligned regional execution with global strategy, led cross functional teams and consistently delivered measurable revenue increases.

In his new capacity, Rhoades will direct all sales operations across the Northern region, collaborating closely with customers and partners to ensure performance, service and support remain synonymous with the MAXAM Tire brand. His appointment signals a focused effort to drive results through experienced leadership and deep market knowledge.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the MAXAM team. Chris brings deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and a strong customer-first mindset that will create immediate value for our partners. His experience and vision will play an important role as we continue to grow our presence, strengthen relationships and expend the MAXAM brand across the market.”

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Bekaert’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. He brings extensive expertise in leading, expanding and transforming global industrial enterprises through both organic growth and acquisitions, positioning him to drive Bekaert’s future strategic goals.

On that same date, the board will co-opt Biebuyck as a director. Meanwhile, current CEO and board member Yves Kerstens will conclude his mandate on 31 May 2026, having led the company in recent years. He will also step down from his directorship as of that day.

The leadership transition marks a carefully planned succession, with Biebuyck’s track record seen as critical to advancing Bekaert’s long-term ambitions. The changes take effect at the end of May and start of June 2026.

Jürgen Tinggren, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as CEO of Bekaert. The Board is convinced that he is the right person to lead the transformation of the company in its next chapter. On behalf of the Board and the entire Bekaert team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Yves for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the company over the past years, and wish him the very best.”

Biebuyck said, “Bekaert has an impressive history of innovation, business expansion and evolution. I am honoured to take up the role of CEO at Bekaert. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the leadership team and all colleagues around the world to further transform and grow the company and create long term value for all our stakeholders.”

Kerstens said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Bekaert and to work alongside our colleagues around the world during the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish Olivier all the best to lead the company in building a strong future.”

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Sri Lanka-based GRI Tires has extended its limited warranty coverage for pneumatic tyres to up to 10 years, effective from 2026, as the specialty tyre manufacturer seeks to strengthen customer assurance across its agricultural, construction and material handling businesses.

The revised warranty policy applies to all GRI-branded pneumatic tyres manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and covers customers in more than 80 countries. The company previously offered warranty coverage of up to seven years.

Under the updated policy, agricultural radial tyres will be covered for up to 10 years, while agricultural bias tyres will receive coverage of up to eight years. Construction, earthmover, industrial, material handling, port and mining tyres will be covered for up to five years, subject to terms and conditions.

GRI said warranty protection would cover qualifying defects, with credit issued on a pro-rated basis.

For qualifying failures occurring within the first three years, and where radial tyre wear does not exceed 20 per cent, customers will receive a full replacement credit.

The warranty applies exclusively to the original end-use purchaser.

“This enhanced 10-year warranty is more than a policy update — it is a statement of our conviction in the quality of every tire we manufacture,” said Barry Guildford, global commercial director at GRI.

“We build tires to perform in the most demanding conditions, and we stand behind them.”

Customers can submit warranty claims through authorised GRI dealers and distributors, or directly through the company’s customer support channels.

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Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft (GNH) has appointed Martin Rathke as Managing Director of its subsidiary Nordmann (Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH), effective 1 May 2026. The move marks a strategic step in the company’s ongoing leadership development.

Rathke joins with considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge of international sales and distribution within the chemical distribution sector. His career includes years of service in a family-owned enterprise, where he held senior management roles with global responsibility. He will now share leadership duties with Ulrich Cramer, who remains in his position, and together they aim to form a closely aligned team to advance Nordmann’s strategic direction.

The joint leadership will focus on accelerating global expansion through targeted strategic, organic and inorganic growth while optimising existing operations and continuously refining the company’s portfolio strategy. Backed by the commitment of its shareholders, Nordmann seeks to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a global player in the chemical distribution industry.

Irina Zschaler, CEO of Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft, said, “Martin brings exactly the combination of entrepreneurial mindset, international experience and leadership strength that we value in our relationships and for our path to grow. Our collaboration is based on responsibility, integrity and the aspiration to create added value together for all involved and the entire group. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming our full Nordmann team.”

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