May 20, 2022: Carbon additives company Birla Carbon said on May 16 that prices for all carbon black products manufactured in North America would increase by 15% from July 1.
Birla, one of the leading international producers of carbon black globally, said all shipments made on or after July 1 would be subject to the increase.
The company said the key reasons for the “necessary change” were the rising cost of materials, freight, logistics, and operations — and insisted on the firm’s commitment to providing high quality carbon black products.
Birla’s announcement followed a similar one from battery materials firm Cabot — which said on March 15 it was increasing prices globally for its carbon black products.
Cabot blamed its rise on “significant and rapid” increases in prime raw material costs, including oil and natural gas.
Cabot’s increases came into force for all shipments made after April 15 and vary depending on the product and region.