14/10/2026
In the fourth quarter of 2026, the tire industry supply chain is facing an unprecedented cost shock. Prices for the three core raw materials—natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and carbon black—have surged in rare synchronization. Notably, the benchmark natural rubber futures contract climbed above 20,645 yuan per tonne, marking a year-to-date increase of over 32% and hitting a nine-year high; the benchmark price for carbon black reached 11,692.86 yuan per tonne, a year-on-year rise of nearly 60% that set a six-year record; and synthetic rubber prices rose steadily within the 15%–20% range, driven by geopolitical conflicts and a shortage of butadiene. Together, these three materials account for more than 60% of tire production costs; when combined with rising expenses for energy, logistics, and environmental compliance, the manufacturing sector faces mounting pressure.