Tokai reports decline in carbon black business amid lower tire production

Tokyo – Tokai Carbon’s carbon black operations has posted a weak first quarter, due mainly lower volumes, according to the Japanese supplier.

Carbon black sales fell slightly, 0.5% year-on-year to Yen38.7 billion (€210 million), while operating income decreased by 28.4% to Yen3.2 billion, said Tokai 13 May.

Both sales and operating income decreased year-on-year due to declined sales volumes resulting from production adjustments among tire manufacturers, the Japanese group said.

Meanwhile, Tokai added, increased depreciation associated with the commencement of operations at the new plant in Thailand (ERJ report) could not be fully offset by contributions from the newly consolidated subsidiary in the country from since fourth quarter of 2025. (ERJ report)