Activated Carbon Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition
Activated Carbon Price Trend, Index and Forecast
Track the latest insights on activated carbon price trend and forecast with detailed analysis of regional fluctuations and market dynamics across North America, Latin America, Central Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, Central and Southern Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Oceania.
Activated Carbon Prices Outlook Q3 2025
- USA: USD 2089.38/MT
- China: USD 1667.73/MT
- Germany: USD 2585.98/MT
- India: USD 2026.83/MT
- South Korea: USD 2734.65/MT
Activated Carbon Price Chart
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During the third quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in the USA reached 2089.38 USD/MT in September. This upward movement was driven by heightened demand from industrial emission control and wastewater treatment sectors, which expanded with stricter regulatory enforcement. Suppliers faced increased costs of raw materials (coal, coconut shell, wood) and energy, which squeezed margins and pushed prices higher. Logistical constraints, particularly freight and port congestion, added premium to delivered costs. Additionally, currency fluctuations and import duty uncertainties further tightened pricing flexibility.
During the third quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in China reached 1667.73 USD/MT in September. Rising prices stemmed from strong rebound in manufacturing and environmental remediation projects. Demand from air purification and municipal water treatment surged, tightening local supply. Domestic feedstock constraints and occasional plant maintenance outages increased cost stress. Freight and logistics bottlenecks across interior provinces raised internal transport costs. Regulatory enforcement requiring stricter quality grades also imposed additional compliance and processing costs.
During the third quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in Germany reached 2585.98 USD/MT in September. Price increases were driven by strong demand in gas purification, emissions control, and specialty industrial applications. Supply-side pressures included higher energy and utility costs for European plants, and increased compliance costs under EU environmental and safety regulations. Import parity costs rose due to elevated freight rates from Asia and possible customs and duty surcharges. Domestic logistics and distribution costs within Germany and across EU borders added incremental burdens.
During the third quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in India reached 2026.83 USD/MT in September. The decline in prices was influenced by weakening demand from municipal water treatment projects and slower uptake in industrial sectors. Imports from Asia helped soften domestic pricing, while raw material costs eased. Logistics rates in coastal states stabilized, reducing transportation cost pressures. Currency fluctuations between INR and USD remained limited, offering predictable import costs. Domestic producers competed aggressively to maintain volumes, leading to downward price adjustments.
During the third quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in South Korea reached 2734.65 USD/MT in September. Rising prices in South Korea were fueled by high demand in the semiconductor, chemical, and specialty filtration sectors. Supply constraints due to capacity utilization and feedstock scarcity pressured pricing. Elevated energy and utility costs for carbonization and activation steps contributed to margin stress. Logistics and inland transport charges for raw precursors increased. Compliance with domestic environmental and safety norms required additional investments.
Activated Carbon Prices Outlook Q2 2025
- USA: USD 2024/MT
- China: USD 1619/MT
- Germany: USD 2447/MT
- India: USD 2050/MT
- South Korea: USD 2675/MT
During the second quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in the USA reached 2024 USD/MT in June. In the USA, activated carbon prices were influenced by strong demand from the water treatment and air purification sectors, particularly in urban regions implementing stricter emissions regulations. Raw material availability, especially coal and coconut shell-based feedstocks, faced challenges due to fluctuating import volumes and longer lead times. Labor shortages and elevated transportation costs within the domestic logistics network increased overall operational expenses. Additionally, competition from imported activated carbon led to price adjustments among local producers responding to shifting procurement patterns.
During the second quarter of 2025, activated carbon prices in China reached 1619 USD/MT in June. In China, activated carbon pricing was shaped by robust domestic demand from the industrial air filtration and chemical manufacturing sectors. Environmental regulations led to temporary shutdowns of some small and medium-sized producers, tightening market availability. Rising energy prices and elevated feedstock costs, particularly for wood and coal-based inputs, added to production expenses. Export orders remained high, but port congestion and container imbalances disrupted outbound shipments, complicating inventory management for both exporters and domestic buyers.
During the second quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in Germany reached 2447 USD/MT in June. In Germany, activated carbon prices were driven by steady demand from the pharmaceutical, food processing, and environmental remediation sectors. Limited local production capacity and dependency on imports from Asia and Eastern Europe introduced volatility in supply timelines. Increased energy tariffs and elevated transportation costs, particularly for long-haul trucking and rail freight, impacted distributor margins. Regulatory pressure on industrial emissions further stimulated demand, tightening availability in the commercial and municipal treatment segments.
During the second quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in India reached 2050 USD/MT in June. In India, prices were influenced by strong consumption from the pharmaceutical and municipal water treatment sectors, combined with restricted coconut shell availability due to seasonal constraints in southern states. Production costs rose amid increased power tariffs and higher rates for auxiliary chemicals. Export activity remained active, supported by overseas demand, which limited domestic supply. Inland logistics bottlenecks, especially in eastern and coastal regions, contributed to distribution delays and raised overall handling expenses for manufacturers and traders.
During the second quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in South Korea reached 2675 USD/MT in June. In South Korea, activated carbon pricing was impacted by increased demand from the electronics, wastewater treatment, and industrial gas sectors. Domestic production was constrained by limited raw material imports, particularly from Southeast Asia, due to shipping delays and fluctuating supplier availability. Higher costs of energy and packaging materials added to production expenses. Meanwhile, competitive procurement among end users and a tight regulatory environment around industrial emissions intensified pressure on available stocks, influencing both sourcing strategies and price negotiations.
Activated Carbon Prices Outlook Q1 2025
- USA: USD 1,916/MT
- China: USD 1,554/MT
- Germany: USD 2,298/MT
During the first quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in the USA reached 1,916 USD/MT in March. As per the activated carbon price chart, stricter environmental regulations increased the need for activated carbon in pollution control, influencing demand and prices. Besides, the prices of key feedstocks like coal, coconut shells, and wood had an impact on manufacturing expenses, influencing activated carbon prices.
During the first quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in China reached 1,554 USD/MT in March. Strong demand from industries such as water purification, air filtration, pharmaceuticals, and food processing played a crucial role in shaping price trends. Technological advancements in production processes also contributed to price fluctuations and market dynamics.
During the first quarter of 2025, the activated carbon prices in Germany reached 2,298 USD/MT in March. Broader economic challenges and fluctuations in industrial output contributed to varying consumption of activated carbon. Besides, changes in coal prices, a key feedstock for activated carbon production, influenced prices.
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Regional Coverage
The report provides a detailed analysis of the market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of FOB and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing activated carbon prices.
Europe Activated Carbon Price Trend
Q3 2025:
In Q3 2025, the activated carbon price index in Europe generally trended upward amid elevated energy and compliance costs. Activated carbon producers across EU markets contended with rising electricity and gas tariffs, which inflated production expenses. Stricter environmental and emissions regulations tightened operational margins, prompting cost pass-through. Demand remained firm from power plants, industrial gas purification, and wastewater treatment facilities. Cross-border logistics and inter-EU transport surcharges added further cost layers. Import tariffs and customs duty impositions on raw materials or intermediates also played a role in sustaining elevated levels.
Q2 2025:
As per the activated carbon price index, European activated carbon prices were influenced by persistent demand from the water purification, food processing, and industrial air filtration sectors. Import dependency remained high, particularly for coconut shell-based carbon from Asia, which faced delays due to shipping disruptions and tighter container availability. Elevated energy costs across multiple European countries, especially those reliant on natural gas, raised production and reactivation expenses. Environmental regulations tightened procurement requirements for industrial buyers, further impacting supply chain planning. Inland freight costs increased due to rail capacity constraints and stricter hazardous material handling rules. Meanwhile, limited domestic production capacity placed additional pressure on inventories, prompting procurement shifts toward alternative supply channels.
Q1 2025:
As per the activated carbon price index, demand from vital industries like waste management and chemical processing influenced pricing. Besides, fluctuations in the prices of raw materials, such as coal and coconut shells, contributed to market uncertainty. These cost variations impacted production expenses, influencing the pricing of activated carbon.
This analysis can be extended to include detailed activated carbon price information for a comprehensive list of countries.
| Region | Countries Covered |
|---|---|
| Europe | Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal, and Greece, among other European countries. |
North America Activated Carbon Price Trend
Q3 2025:
In Q3 2025, the activated carbon price index in North America experienced a solid upward trend. In the United States, demand from flue gas treatment, municipal water systems, and emission control applications remained strong. Raw material supply constraints and energy cost inflation (electricity, fuel) pressured producers to raise prices. Freight costs and port handling bottlenecks contributed to increased delivery pricing. Import channels faced duty uncertainties and currency fluctuations, adding complexity. Overall, North America saw robust pricing momentum driven by structural demand and cost factors.
Q2 2025:
As per the activated carbon price index, in North America, activated carbon pricing was impacted by stable demand from the municipal water treatment, mining, and industrial gas sectors, alongside seasonal demand spikes from the food and beverage industry. Feedstock challenges, particularly in coconut shell and bituminous coal availability, affected supply continuity, with import fluctuations from Asia contributing to inconsistent inbound volumes. Domestic production costs rose due to higher electricity rates and increased labor expenses. Transportation delays, especially in inland trucking routes, disrupted timely distribution across key demand centers. Compliance-related upgrades at treatment facilities drove bulk orders, intensifying spot market activity and tightening inventory at regional storage hubs.
Q1 2025:
Stricter environmental regulations in urban areas drove the demand for filtration solutions in air and water treatment plants, supporting prices. States with cleaner industrial practices prioritized filtration and treatment systems. Besides, persistent logistical problems impacted distribution and availability, contributing to price volatility.
Specific activated carbon historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.
| Region | Countries Covered |
|---|---|
| North America | United States and Canada |
Middle East and Africa Activated Carbon Price Trend
Q3 2025:
As per activated carbon price chart, the prices in the Middle East and Africa fluctuated due to a complex interplay of factors, primarily driven by supply chain disruptions, seasonal demand shifts, and geopolitical influences.
Q2 2025:
The report explores the activated carbon trends and activated carbon price chart in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.
In addition to region-wise data, information on activated carbon prices for countries can also be provided.
| Region | Countries Covered |
|---|---|
| Middle East & Africa | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Iran, South Africa, Nigeria, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, among other Middle Eastern and African countries. |
Asia Pacific Activated Carbon Price Trend
Q3 2025:
In the Asia Pacific region during Q3 2025, the pricing of activated carbon generally rose. Key drivers included intensified demand from water treatment, chemical processing, and industrial emission control in developing economies. Feedstock availability (especially coconut shell, wood, and coal) tightened in certain producing countries, elevating raw material costs. Rising energy and fuel costs impacted manufacturing and transport. Intra-regional trade, port handling, and domestic logistics added to the delivered cost escalations. Some export restrictions and policy constraints further constrained supply flow, reinforcing upward pricing in regional markets.
Q2 2025:
In the Asia Pacific region, activated carbon prices were shaped by dynamic supply-demand conditions across major producing and consuming countries. China and India experienced strong industrial demand for air pollution control and chemical processing applications, while Southeast Asia faced raw material shortages due to erratic coconut shell supply and inconsistent rainfall patterns. Production in China was disrupted by periodic inspections related to environmental compliance, which led to temporary output limitations. Export demand remained firm, supported by orders from Europe and North America, causing inventory pressures for domestic users. Intra-regional shipping costs increased due to limited vessel availability and extended lead times, adding logistical burdens across the supply chain.
Q1 2025:
Economic factors, such as inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations, also played a role in the price fluctuations of activated carbon. These macroeconomic variables influenced both production costs and consumer purchasing power, contributing to the observed market volatility. Besides, the region faced ongoing supply chain disruptions, including logistical bottlenecks and transportation issues, which affected the delivery of activated carbon.
This activated carbon price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.
| Region | Countries Covered |
|---|---|
| Asia Pacific | China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Hongkong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, among other Asian countries. |
Latin America Activated Carbon Price Trend
Q3 2025:
Latin America's activated carbon market is predominantly influenced by its rich natural reserves, particularly in countries like Chile and Brazil. However, political instability and inconsistent regulatory frameworks can lead to significant volatility in activated carbon prices.
Q2 2025:
Infrastructure challenges and logistical inefficiencies often impact the supply chain, affecting the region's ability to meet international demand consistently. Moreover, the activated carbon price index, economic fluctuations, and currency devaluation are critical factors that need to be considered when analyzing activated carbon pricing trends in this region.
Q1 2025:
Latin America's activated carbon market is predominantly influenced by its rich natural reserves, particularly in countries like Chile and Brazil. However, political instability and inconsistent regulatory frameworks can lead to significant volatility in activated carbon prices. Infrastructure challenges and logistical inefficiencies often impact the supply chain, affecting the region's ability to meet international demand consistently. Moreover, the activated carbon price index, economic fluctuations, and currency devaluation are critical factors that need to be considered when analyzing activated carbon pricing trends in this region.
This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.
| Region | Countries Covered |
|---|---|
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, among other Latin American countries. |
Activated Carbon Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News
IMARC's latest publication, “Activated Carbon Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the activated carbon market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of activated carbon at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed activated carbon prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting activated carbon pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.
Activated Carbon Industry Analysis
The global activated carbon market size reached USD 4.77 Billion in 2025. By 2034, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7.72 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 5.51% during 2026-2034. The market is primarily driven by stricter environmental standards, expanding water and air purification needs, and growth in industrial emission control.
Latest News and Developments:
- September 2025: Kemira received an investment approval to establish a new activated carbon reactivation facility at its Helsingborg site in Sweden. The project aimed to enhance the company’s water treatment capacity across the Nordic region and cater to the increasing demand for micropollutant removal solutions.
- May 2024: Calgon Carbon Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Co., Ltd., announced that it entered into an exclusive agreement with Sprint Environmental Services, LLC to acquire its industrial reactivated carbon business, which includes 21 employees and an industrial carbon reactivation plant located outside of Houston, Texas.
Product Description
Activated carbon refers to an incredibly porous form of carbon produced from carbonaceous source materials, boasting an extensive surface area that makes it exceptionally proficient at adsorption. It is created through physical or chemical activation methods, endowing it with remarkable surface area, porosity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.
Its applications are vast, ranging from water and air purification, medical treatments for poisoning, industrial processes, food and beverage decolorization, and cosmetics to agriculture. The benefits of activated carbon include efficient adsorption of impurities, versatility across multiple applications, non-toxicity, reusability, and a positive environmental impact by aiding in pollution control and improving health through various uses.
Report Coverage
| Key Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Activated Carbon |
| Report Features | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Demand, Industry Supply, Gap Analysis, Challenges, Activated Carbon Price Analysis, and Segment-Wise Assessment. |
| Currency/Units | US$ (Data can also be provided in local currency) or Metric Tons |
| Region/Countries Covered | The current coverage includes analysis at the global and regional levels only. Based on your requirements, we can also customize the report and provide specific information for the following countries: Asia Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Hongkong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand* Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece* North America: United States and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru* Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Iran, South Africa, Nigeria, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco* *The list of countries presented is not exhaustive. Information on additional countries can be provided if required by the client. |
| Information Covered for Key Suppliers |
|
| Customization Scope | The report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer |
| Report Price and Purchase Option |
Plan A: Monthly Updates - Annual Subscription
Plan B: Quarterly Updates - Annual Subscription
Plan C: Biannually Updates - Annual Subscription
|
| Post-Sale Analyst Support | 360-degree analyst support after report delivery |
| Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Benefits for Stakeholders:
- IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of activated carbon pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
- The study examines factors affecting activated carbon price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
- The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
- IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The activated carbon price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.
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