(June 2, 2026) In the first half of 2026, the domestic silica industry will undergo a fundamental shift in consumer logic. Demand growth in traditional sectors such as traditional footwear materials and general rubber has slowed, while demand in emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaic energy storage, and lithium battery new materials has surged, completely reshaping the supply-demand structure of the white carbon market. The market shows a structural trend of "loose inventory of low-end products, tight and firm prices for high-end new energy special products," officially entering an incremental era dominated by the new energy sector.

For a long time, silica consumption has mainly relied on traditional light industry and rubber industries, with stable market growth and severe competition and homogenization, resulting in a long-term state of stock competition. However, with the rapid expansion of the domestic new energy industry, white carbon has become a core supporting new material for new energy with its excellent reinforcement, thermal insulation, anti-aging, and anti-slip properties. Its application scenarios continue to expand, and market demand is experiencing leapfrog growth. According to the latest industry research data, from January to May 2026, the consumption of white carbon black in the new energy sector nationwide will increase by more than 28% year-on-year, making it the largest incremental market in the industry.

The new energy vehicle sector is the core driver of demand growth for white carbon black. As the standards for range and safety performance of new energy vehicles continue to rise, the penetration rate of low-rolling resistance green tires keeps climbing. High-dispersion white carbon black, as the core reinforcing filler for green tires, can effectively reduce rolling resistance and lower vehicle energy consumption, making it an indispensable key raw material for new energy tires. Currently, mainstream domestic new energy vehicle manufacturers have fully adopted high-ratio white carbon black formulations for tire supply. Coupled with the peak production and sales season in the second quarter, leading domestic tire companies maintain high operating rates, continuously releasing stable procurement demand, and ensuring robust orders for tire-specific white carbon dioxide.

The photovoltaic and lithium battery sectors have become the core pillars for new growth. In the photovoltaic industry, fumed silica is widely used in photovoltaic module encapsulation films and sealing materials, which can improve the weather resistance, anti-yellowing properties, and bonding strength of the adhesive layer, ensuring long-term stable outdoor operation of photovoltaic modules. In 2026, the number of new domestic photovoltaic installations will continue to rise, with upstream and downstream capacity expanding, driving a sustained surge in demand for ultrafine silica, specifically for photovoltaics. Meanwhile, in the lithium battery field, silica can be used in separator coatings, electrolyte additives, and other processes, providing insulation, puncture resistance, and enhancing battery safety. With the continuous commissioning of energy storage and power battery production capacity, demand for high-end silica specifically for lithium batteries continues to grow.

The divergence between supply and demand is especially evident on the market side. Currently, demand for ordinary footwear materials and precipitated silica for general rubber is sluggish, downstream product companies lack orders, and procurement is mainly for restocking for rigid needs. Product prices remain stable under pressure, and market competition is fierce. In contrast, new energy-specific modified silica and ultrafine fumed silica are in tight supply, with many companies scheduling production through the third quarter. Some specifications are experiencing spot shortages, prices are steadily rising, and product profit opportunities continue to expand.

Demand changes are forcing rapid iteration in the industry's product structure. To meet the high-end market demand for new energy, major domestic white carbon companies have adjusted their product structures, reduced capacity for low-end general products, and focused on R&D and production of highly dispersed, ultra-fine, and highly stable new energy specialized products. Many companies have overcome product adaptation challenges in new energy scenarios through formula modification and process optimization. Domestic high-end silica has benchmarked its performance against imported products, gradually achieving import substitution and further capturing the new energy supply chain market.

Industry analysts point out that the traditional white carbon consumption market has entered a mature phase with limited growth potential, while demand in the new energy sector has long-term growth potential. With the continued implementation of new energy vehicles in rural areas and photovoltaic energy storage projects, downstream industries will keep increasing their quality requirements and usage demand for silica. In the future, the core competitive focus of the white carbon industry will shift from traditional price and capacity competition to competition in high-end product adaptability and customized R&D capabilities. New energy empowerment will continue to drive high-quality industry upgrades and drive market expansion.